Sample Rack Air Temperature Adjustment for Uniform Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature adjustment systems for sample plates in liquid chromatographs face challenges in uniform temperature adjustment efficiency, leading to increased device size and cost due to inefficient heat exchange and high heat capacity requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sample rack and air temperature adjustment system that introduces temperature-adjusted air directly into an air passage between the sample rack and the temperature adjustment space, allowing intense heat exchange with the sample plate while minimizing heat exchange with unnecessary structures, reducing the need for high-capacity temperature adjustment elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the temperature adjustment space is cooled or heated entirely, then the temperature of the sample plate can be adjusted uniformly, but the area to perform heat exchange becomes large and a large amount of heat insulating material is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by directing temperature-adjusted air specifically to the mounting region where sample plates are placed, rather than uniformly adjusting the entire temperature adjustment space. The air passage is formed only in the region corresponding to the mounting region, concentrating the heat exchange area precisely where needed. This localized approach achieves uniform temperature adjustment of sample plates while minimizing the overall heat exchange area and reducing the amount of heat insulating material required.
2Manufacturing precision
If the temperature adjustment space is cooled or heated entirely, then the temperature can be adjusted uniformly, but the heat capacity of the temperature adjustment target becomes large and the time required for temperature adjustment becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reduces the heat capacity of the temperature adjustment target by limiting the air passage formation to only the mounting region rather than the entire temperature adjustment space. This localized air passage confines the temperature adjustment target to only those structures (sample plates) that require temperature control, excluding unnecessary structures from the heat exchange process. Consequently, the heat capacity is reduced and temperature adjustment time is shortened while still achieving uniform temperature distribution across all sample plates.
3Manufacturing precision
If the temperature adjustment space is cooled or heated entirely, then the temperature can be adjusted uniformly, but the size of the device and cost of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention minimizes device size by forming air passages only in the mounting region where sample plates are positioned, rather than throughout the entire temperature adjustment space. This localized air passage design reduces the volume of the temperature adjustment space that requires active temperature control and reduces the amount of heat insulating material needed. The result is a more compact device structure that achieves uniform temperature adjustment without unnecessary volume expansion.
4Manufacturing precision
If the temperature adjustment space is cooled or heated entirely, then the temperature can be adjusted uniformly, but a temperature adjustment element with excessively high temperature adjustment capability is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reduces the required temperature adjustment capability by concentrating the air passage in the mounting region only. This localization ensures that temperature-adjusted air directly contacts only the sample plates that need temperature control, minimizing heat loss to surrounding structures. As a result, a temperature adjustment element with lower power capability can achieve the required uniform temperature adjustment without needing excessive heating or cooling power.
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 configuration enables uniform and efficient temperature adjustment of the sample plate, reducing the size and cost of the device while improving energy efficiency and response speed.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature adjustment element for cooling or heating air taken in from the air intake portion
Implementation Method 2
air blown out from the outlet of the air temperature adjustment part is directly introduced into the air passage between a bottom surface of the mounting region of the sample rack accommodated in the temperature adjustment space and a floor surface of the temperature adjustment space, and flows from one end to the other end of the mounting region through the air passage
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a sample rack having a mounting region for mounting a sample plate that holds a sample, a housing in which a temperature adjustment space for adjusting a temperature of the sample plate mounted on the sample rack while accommodating the sample rack inside is provided therein, and the housing having, in a lateral surface, a rack insertion opening through which the sample rack is inserted into the temperature adjustment space; and an air temperature adjustment part having an air intake port for taking in air in the temperature adjustment space, a temperature adjustment element for cooling or heating air taken in from the air intake portion, and an outlet for blowing out air cooled or heated by the temperature adjustment element.