Sample Basin Rinse Ring for Fast Temperature-Controlled Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample preheating devices for analytical instruments face challenges in rapidly and accurately controlling sample temperatures, managing contamination, and efficiently processing multiple samples with different temperatures, while also being costly and prone to safety issues due to fluid baths and vial contamination.
Innovation Solution
The novel sample preheaters incorporate a heat sink assembly with a metallic heater block, a temperature sensor, and a Peltier cooler for rapid temperature control, along with a rinse system using a wash ring and pressurized air-driven solvent for efficient cleaning, minimizing downtime and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a metallic heater block is used for temperature control, then temperature control speed is improved, but the ability to rapidly lower temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heater block is divided into two separate blocks: a heating block for rapid heating and a cooling block for rapid cooling. Each block is optimized for its specific function, allowing independent optimization of heating and cooling speeds without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal transfer medium (such as a metal block or fluid) is introduced as an intermediary between the heating/cooling elements and the sample. This intermediary can be rapidly heated or cooled and efficiently transfers thermal energy to or from the sample, enabling fast temperature changes in both directions.
2Reliability
If samples are loaded in vials for preheating, then sample containment is improved, but direct temperature monitoring and cleaning efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sample is extracted from the vial and directly placed in the heating/cooling block, eliminating the vial as an intermediate container. This allows direct temperature monitoring of the sample and eliminates the need to clean or replace vials between samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating/cooling block serves multiple functions: it contains the sample, controls its temperature, and allows direct temperature monitoring. The rinse system also serves dual purposes by cleaning both the sample container and the block surface.
3Temperature
If a temperature controlled fluid bath is used, then sample preheating effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and safety issues deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The complex fluid bath system (including fluid reservoirs, pumps, and circulation lines) is extracted and replaced with a solid-state heating and cooling system. The heating element and cooling element are directly coupled to the heater block, eliminating the need for fluid circulation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical fluid circulation system is replaced with a solid-state thermal conduction system. Heat and cold are transferred directly through solid contact between the heating/cooling elements and the heater block, eliminating pumps, valves, and fluid lines.
4Temperature
If bath fluids are used for preheating, then temperature control is improved, but safety issues and maintenance requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bath fluid is extracted from the system and replaced with direct solid-to-solid thermal contact. The heating and cooling elements are in direct contact with the heater block, eliminating the need for intermediate fluids that could leak or cause safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in a dry, inert environment without flammable or hazardous fluids. The solid-state heating and cooling elements eliminate risks associated with hot oils or other bath fluids that could ignite or cause burns if leaked.
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 solution enables rapid, accurate, and cost-effective temperature control of liquid samples, reducing analysis time and sample contamination, while ensuring safety and efficient processing of multiple samples with different temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element is in thermal communication with the heater block and is adapted to transfer heat to the heater block
Implementation Method 2
a Peltier cooler for rapid temperature control
Implementation Method 3
The heater block has a basin for receiving a liquid sample and allowing heat to be transmitted from the heater block to the sample
Implementation Method 4
a rinse system using a wash ring and pressurized air-driven solvent for efficient cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid sample basins for use in assemblies for handling samples for analysis in an analytical stream. The sample basins have a body defining a basin for receiving a liquid sample. The basin has a cylindrical opening at an upper surface of the body through which the sample may be introduced. A drain is provided at the lower end of the basin, and the basin is adapted to direct flow of the sample from the basin into and downward through the drain. A wash ring is mounted on top of the body around the basin opening. The assembly of the wash ring and the body defines a manifold extending around the basin opening and provides a conduit for flow of wash solvent around the opening. The wash ring and body assembly also has one or more ports adapted to direct wash solvent from the manifold into the basin.