Pre-shaping Fluidic Samples for Planar Separation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample handling techniques in liquid chromatography and electrophoresis suffer from artifacts and reduced separation performance due to the broadening of fluidic samples before and during separation, which affects the resolution and comparability of sample processing runs.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for handling fluidic samples by pre-shaping them into a planar form with exposed main surfaces, using a sample shaping tool to maintain the sample in a predefined shape and immerse it in a carrier medium for separation, while employing an immobilizing agent to prevent spatial broadening, ensuring consistent and high-resolution processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional sample introduction procedures are used, then sample processing can be performed, but artifacts are generated and separation resolution deteriorates due to sample broadening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation resolutionVSAvoidsample broadening and artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sample is pre-shaped into a defined planar geometry before introduction into the separation system. This preliminary shaping action prevents subsequent broadening and artifacts by establishing a controlled initial state that maintains integrity throughout processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sample geometry is changed from conventional forms to a specific planar shape with controlled dimensions. This parameter change in sample morphology prevents broadening effects and improves separation resolution by optimizing the sample's physical characteristics for the separation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If sample is introduced without predefined shape, then handling is simpler, but separation performance and resolution are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation resolutionVSAvoidsample shaping procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sample is pre-shaped into a defined planar geometry before introduction into the separation system. This preliminary shaping action prevents subsequent broadening and artifacts by establishing a controlled initial state that maintains integrity throughout processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sample geometry is changed from conventional forms to a specific planar shape with controlled dimensions. This parameter change in sample morphology prevents broadening effects and improves separation resolution by optimizing the sample's physical characteristics for the separation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12172162B2Pre-shaping fluidic sample in a planar way before processing

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A method of handling a fluidic sample includes taking fluidic sample from a sample source by a sample shaping tool so that a pre-shaped planar fluidic sample is held by the sample shaping tool with at least one main surface, or both opposing main surfaces, of the pre-shaped planar fluidic sample being exposed, and processing the pre-shaped planar fluidic sample such as by separating the pre-shaped planar fluidic sample in a sample separation device.