Sample cooling device, autosampler provided with the same, and sample cooling method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample cooling devices fail to effectively prevent moisture condensation around the cooling section, especially at low cooling temperatures, leading to issues like frost formation and sample contamination during analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sample cooling device with a dehumidifier section that sets its temperature below the freezing point to condense moisture as frost, which is then melted and collected, preventing frost buildup and efficiently removing moisture from the air, while alternately repeating this process to maintain effective dehumidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the set temperature of the dehumidifier section is set near the dew point to condense moisture, then dehumidification is achieved, but moisture condenses around the cooling section at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the dehumidifier section to be lower than the dew point (e.g., below freezing point), causing moisture to freeze instead of condense as liquid. This phase change parameter modification prevents liquid condensation around the cooling section while still achieving dehumidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of moisture from gas to solid (freezing) by setting the dehumidifier temperature below the freezing point. This phase change effectively removes moisture from the air without creating liquid condensation that would harm the cooling section.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the set temperature of the dehumidifier section is set below the freezing point to prevent condensation, then condensation is suppressed, but frost attaches to the dehumidifier section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation of the dehumidifier section, alternating between freezing mode (below dew point) to remove moisture and thawing mode (above freezing point) to melt accumulated frost. This periodic action prevents excessive frost buildup while maintaining dehumidification effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the heat from the cooling section or ambient temperature to automatically thaw the frost on the dehumidifier section during periodic operation, eliminating the need for external frost removal mechanisms and enabling self-maintenance.
3Quantity of substance
If a large amount of frost attaches to the dehumidifier section, then dehumidification continues, but the device requires manual frost removal and may flood with water
Solution Approach 1:
The control section automatically switches between freezing and thawing modes at predetermined intervals, preventing excessive frost accumulation. This periodic cycle eliminates manual intervention and prevents water flooding by controlling frost buildup before it becomes problematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control logic that monitor the dehumidifier section temperature and automatically adjust operation to prevent excessive frost accumulation, providing feedback-based automatic control that eliminates manual frost removal tasks.
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 approach effectively prevents moisture condensation around the cooling section, ensuring accurate sample analysis by maintaining a frost-free environment and efficiently managing humidity changes, thereby preventing sample contamination and frost-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a dehumidifier section configured to perform dehumidification by cooling air inside the accommodating chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first driving process of setting a set temperature of the dehumidifier section to at or below a freezing point
Implementation Method 3
a second driving process of stopping driving of the dehumidifier section or of raising the set temperature of the dehumidifier section to above the freezing point
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a sample cooling device capable of effectively removing moisture in the air inside an accommodating chamber where a sample container is accommodated, and of preventing a problem caused by occurrence of frost, an autosampler provided with the same, and a sample cooling method. A first driving process of setting a set temperature of a dehumidifier section to at or below the freezing point, and a second driving process of stopping driving of the dehumidifier section or of raising the set temperature of the dehumidifier section to above the freezing point after the first driving process is performed over a predetermined period of time are performed. Thus, the set temperature of the dehumidifier section may be made to at or below the freezing point by the first driving process, and moisture in the air inside the accommodating chamber may be made to temporarily attach to the dehumidifier section as frost and then be melted by the second driving process and be collected as water.