Reusable Solid-Phase Extraction Container for Analyzer Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analyzers using solid-phase extraction cartridges result in high consumable costs and disposal volumes due to the wastage of entire cartridges after each use, leading to increased running costs and user burden.
Innovation Solution
An analyzer equipped with a filling mechanism for automatically filling the cartridge with solid-phase extraction material, a discharging mechanism for removing used material, and a container cleaning mechanism to recycle the solid-phase extraction container, reducing waste generation and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solid-phase extraction cartridges are used for each analysis, then analysis can be performed with convenient automation, but the entire cartridge including container and filters must be disposed of after each use, increasing disposal volume and running costs
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into separable components: the container can be detached from the solid-phase extraction material and filters. This allows the container to be reused while only the consumable parts (material and filters) are disposed of, resolving the contradiction between automation convenience and waste reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is recovered and reused after the solid-phase extraction material and filters are discarded. The container undergoes cleaning and sterilization processes between uses, allowing multiple analyses to be performed with a single container, thereby reducing disposal volume while maintaining automated operation capability.
2Reliability
If solid-phase extraction cartridges are replaced frequently, then analysis quality is maintained, but consumable costs and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge components are segmented such that the expensive container can be reused while only the cheaper solid-phase extraction material and filters are replaced. This segmentation allows maintenance of analysis quality through regular replacement of consumables while reducing overall consumable costs through container reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is recovered and reused multiple times through cleaning and sterilization, while only the consumable solid-phase extraction material and filters are discarded after each use. This approach maintains reliable analysis quality by ensuring fresh consumables for each analysis while significantly reducing consumable costs compared to complete cartridge replacement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the container size is made larger to accommodate solid-phase extraction material and filters, then the material can be easily contained and manipulated, but the disposal volume increases significantly (container size is several dozen times larger than the material)
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the reusable container and disposable consumables (solid-phase extraction material and filters). The container's large volume is justified by its reusable nature, while the actual consumable volume is minimized. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the large container volume acceptable since it is not disposed of after each use.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is recovered and reused, so its large volume does not contribute to ongoing disposal waste. Only the small-volume consumables (solid-phase extraction material and filters) are disposed of after each use. This recovery approach makes the large container size acceptable from a waste management perspective while maintaining ease of manipulation during the extraction process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution decreases waste generation and running costs by allowing the reuse of solid-phase extraction containers, minimizing the need for frequent replacements and reducing disposal volumes.
Implementation Method 1
an affinity between a measurement component in the sample solution and the surface of the solid-phase extraction material may be high. In this case, the measurement component in the sample solution is selectively adsorbed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is an analyzer performing solid-phase extraction of a measurement component (i.e., component to be measured) in a sample solution while decreasing an amount of waste generated and reducing a running cost. The analyzer includes: a solid-phase extraction container having a body part to receive a sample solution containing a measurement component of analytical target and a discharge passage to discharge the sample solution. Herein, the discharge passage is to be filled with a solid-phase extraction material for subjecting the measurement component to solid-phase extraction. The analyzer further includes a supplying mechanism for a solid-phase extraction material; a filter supplying mechanism; a determining mechanism for filling position; a discharging mechanism for discharging the filter and the solid-phase extraction material after the solid-phase extraction of the measurement component; and a container cleaning mechanism for cleaning the solid-phase extraction container from which the solid-phase extraction material is removed.