Pre-assembled Separation Columns Embedded in Polymer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional nano-LC systems face issues with incorrect assembly of fittings and fluid connections leading to leaks, reduced sensitivity, and poor chromatographic separation, while also being physically fragile and posing safety hazards due to high electric potentials.

Innovation Solution

An integrated system with a separation column and end-fittings embedded in a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, which ensures correct factory-made attachment and shields components from physical strain and electric hazards, using materials like polyamide and polyurethane-based MacroMelt for embedding the column and electrospray emitter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional nano-LC columns with narrow inner diameters are used, then higher resolution and sensitivity are achieved, but the system becomes physically fragile and prone to damage from strain, pressure, bends, and twists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechromatographic resolutionVSAvoidmechanical robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components: a robust housing unit containing the column, fittings, and electrospray emitter, which can be handled as a single protected module rather than separate fragile parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements pre-assembled fittings and connections manufactured with precise tolerances to prevent leaks and improper assembly before the system is put into use, eliminating the need for user intervention that could compromise the fragile narrow-bore components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional HPLC columns with separate fittings are used, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but incorrect assembly of fittings and fluid connections leads to leaks and poor chromatographic separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple components (column, fittings, electrospray emitter, and housing) are merged into a single pre-assembled integrated unit manufactured at the factory with correct connections, eliminating assembly errors while maintaining the functionality of individual components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fittings and connections are pre-assembled and pre-tested at the factory with correct positioning and sealing, so that when the user receives the system, the critical connections are already properly established, preventing leaks and assembly errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If microfluidic chip technology is used to integrate column and emitter, then user intervention is eliminated, but chromatographic performance cannot match non-chip based systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser intervention eliminationVSAvoidchromatographic performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a housing structure as an intermediary that integrates the column and electrospray emitter while maintaining compatibility with conventional HPLC systems, allowing automated operation without sacrificing the chromatographic performance of traditional non-chip-based columns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If electrospray emitter is positioned close to mass spectrometer inlet, then sensitivity is improved, but safety hazards increase due to high electric potentials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidelectric shock hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating housing (acting as a protective shell) is used to enclose the electrospray emitter and high-voltage components, providing electrical insulation that protects users from shock hazards while allowing the emitter to remain positioned close to the mass spectrometer inlet for optimal sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11320409B2Pre-assembled separation columns

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 PROXEON BIOSYST

AI summary

There is provided an integrated system for liquid separation, such as LC, CE, affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography, comprising a column and end-fittings embedded in a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer. The system may further comprise an electrospray emitter directly connected with the outlet of the column, wherein a substantial part of the emitter is covered with the polymer material. There is also provided a method by which a separation column along with the accompanying end fittings for connection with adjacent liquid conduits is embedded in a polymer matrix. This configuration e.g. ensures that the factory-made, correct attachment of the fittings to the column is preserved (since the matrix prevents further user intervention, accidental or otherwise). Accordingly, the responsibility for the correct attachment of the fittings is shifted from the end user to the manufacturer.