Sample Automation Manager for Liquid Chromatography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample managers in liquid chromatography systems lack advanced functionalities such as automated reagent addition, efficient mixing, heating, and RFID identification, which are essential for improved sample handling and analysis.
Innovation Solution
The proposed liquid chromatography system incorporates a sample manager with a sample delivery system, including needle drives, syringes for precise sample extraction and reagent addition, an RFID scanner for vial identification, a mixer for vortex creation, and a heater system, along with a control system to automate operations like mixing, heating, and transferring samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated reagent addition, mixing, and heating functionalities are added to the sample manager, then the productivity and reliability of sample handling are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sample handling functions (reagent addition via second needle drive, mixing via magnetic mixer, heating via heater, and RFID identification) into a single integrated sample manager system. This merging of functions allows automated multi-step sample preparation without requiring separate devices, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample manager is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform sample injection, reagent addition, mixing, heating, and identification within a single system. This universal design enables the device to handle diverse sample preparation requirements, improving productivity by eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing operational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple needle drives and syringes are added for precise sample extraction and reagent addition, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sampling function into two separate needle drives: a first needle drive for sample extraction and a second needle drive for reagent addition. Each needle drive is independently controlled by its own syringe system, allowing precise control of sample volume and reagent volume separately. This segmentation enables high manufacturing precision in sample preparation while managing complexity through modular, independent control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe systems act as intermediaries between the control system and the needle drives, providing precise metering control for both sample extraction and reagent addition. The syringes translate electrical control signals into precise mechanical displacement, enabling accurate volume delivery without requiring complex direct control mechanisms, thus improving precision while managing overall system complexity.
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
This enhances the reliability, accuracy, and user-friendliness of sample handling by enabling automated processes like reagent addition, mixing, and heating, improving the overall efficiency of liquid chromatography analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic structure configured to impart movement of a magnet within the sample-vial in order to mix the sample by creating a vortex inside the sample-vial through mechanical contact and rotation
Implementation Method 2
a heater system configured to apply heat to the sample-vial
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid chromatography system includes a solvent delivery system, a sample manager including a sample delivery system in fluidic communication with the solvent delivery system, the sample delivery system configured to inject a sample from a sample-vial into a chromatographic flow stream, a liquid chromatography column located downstream from the sample delivery system, and a detector located downstream from the liquid chromatography column. The sample delivery system further includes a first needle drive including a first sample needle configured to extract the sample from the sample-vial and deliver the sample to the liquid chromatography column, and a first syringe in communication with the first sample needle configured to meter extraction of the sample from the sample-vial. The sample manager further includes a sample automation system that includes a second needle drive including a second sample needle configured to add a volume of reagent to the sample-vial.