Rotor Valve Layout for Leak-Resistant CE-MS Sample Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample transfer devices in bioanalytics face challenges such as leakage, mechanical instability, and difficulty in maintaining high separation efficiency during electromigrative separation techniques, particularly due to the small dimensions of capillaries and the need for high electrical isolation.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with a stator and rotor configuration, featuring multiple ports and channels, and an actuator that allows precise and reliable transfer of small sample volumes, enabling efficient sample transfer between dimensions while maintaining high separation efficiency and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If small capillary dimensions are used for high separation efficiency, then separation efficiency is improved, but mechanical stability and leakage resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from small capillary dimensions to macroscopic channel dimensions (millimeter scale) while maintaining separation efficiency through a different architectural approach - using a valve body with multiple ports and channels that provides both mechanical stability and functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a valve unit for sample transfer and a separation unit for analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the valve for mechanical stability and the separation channel for efficiency
2Speed
If electrical isolation is increased for high separation voltages, then separation speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body integrates multiple functions into a single component: fluid flow control, electrical isolation, and mechanical support. The insulating material forming the valve body simultaneously provides structural integrity and electrical isolation, eliminating the need for separate isolation components
3Reliability
If mechanical stability is enhanced for reliability, then leakage resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body combines flow control functionality with mechanical stability and sealing in a single integrated component. The insulating material provides both structural support and leak prevention, while the port and channel geometry controls fluid flow without requiring additional moving parts
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer valve has ports arranged in groups. The valve has a rotor having channels and an actuator is operably connectable to the rotor. The actuator is positionable in a loading orientation in which the first channel is connected to one or two of the ports to transfer fluid into the first channel and/or the second channel is connected to one or two of the ports to transfer a second fluid into the second channel. The actuator also is positionable into first and second injection orientations in which various ones of the channels and ports are connected for different fluid flow configurations. Each channel has two ends located on a virtual circle whose center coincides with the rotor's axis of rotation. The channels can have a semicircular shape, a semi-oval shape or a U-shape. An analytical system and method that use the inventive valve are also disclosed.