Sample Carrier Layout With Heat Flow Element for Compact Thermal Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal sample analysis equipment is large, unwieldy, and limited in analytical capabilities, often requiring multiple instruments for different techniques, with complex designs that hinder mobile applications and efficient sample handling.
Innovation Solution
A compact sample carrier device for thermal sample analysis instruments, featuring a main support structure, a reference unit, and a sample carrier unit separated by a defined heat flow element, allowing for spatially efficient integration and user-friendly calibration without a separate reference sample, enabling dynamic differential scanning and heat flow measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a compact design with a simple reference unit is used, then device size and complexity are reduced, but the ability to perform differential scanning calorimetry measurements is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A defined heat flow element is introduced as an intermediary component between the sample carrier unit and reference unit. This element with known thermal properties enables calibration of the measurement system, allowing accurate differential scanning calorimetry measurements to be performed even with a simplified reference unit design that lacks a reference sample container.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analytical techniques are integrated into a single device, then versatility is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is designed with a universal sample carrier device platform that can perform multiple analytical techniques including differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The system uses a single crucible configuration with an integrated balance and temperature measurement that serves all three methods, eliminating the need for separate instruments for each technique.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is used, then mobile applications are enabled, but space for reference samples is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reference sample container is extracted from the measurement system, eliminating the need for physical reference samples stored within the device. Instead, a simple reference unit with known thermal properties is used, and calibration is achieved through the defined heat flow element. This extraction enables a compact mobile design while preserving full analytical capability through software-based reference data.
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
Enables compact, space-saving thermal sample analysis with integrated functionality, facilitating easy calibration and maintenance, and supporting multiple analytical methods in a single device, including temperature and heat flow measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a reference unit with a first thermocouple assembly (11) and a sample carrier unit with a second thermocouple assembly (12)
Implementation Method 2
a defined heat flow element (14) is arranged between the reference unit and the sample carrier unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sample carrier device (1) for measuring instruments for thermal sample analysis. This sample carrier device (1) comprises a main support structure (2), a reference unit (5) with a first thermocouple assembly (11), and a sample carrier unit (6) with a second thermocouple assembly (12), wherein the main support structure (2) is designed to keep both the reference unit (5) and the sample carrier unit (6) spatially separated from each other. A defined heat flow element (14) is also arranged between the reference unit (5) and the sample carrier unit (6). Additionally, a measuring instrument (100) for thermal sample analysis is presented.