Single Injection Valve for HPLC Sample Injector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switchable valves are inadequate for supporting multiple functions in modern sample injectors for high-performance liquid chromatography, particularly in terms of compactness, sealing efficiency, and operational simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A switchable valve design featuring a rotor and stator with eight circumferential ports and three arcuate fluid paths, allowing for various operation modes such as bypass, flush, and block modes, enabled by a single valve member configuration that reduces the number of seals and simplifies operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-position rotary valves are used to support multiple functions in sample injectors, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and number of seals increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single valve body with multiple ports (at least 8 ports) that can perform multiple functions including sample injection, bypass, flush, and block modes through a single valve member configuration, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves or complex multi-position rotary mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple valve functions (injection, bypass, flush, block) into a single valve assembly with a unified valve body and single movable valve member, integrating what would traditionally require multiple separate valve components into one compact unit
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valve designs with multiple seals are used, then functional completeness is improved, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple valve functions into a single valve body with one movable valve member, the patent reduces the total number of seal locations compared to conventional designs that would require multiple separate valves, each with their own seals, thereby reducing overall leakage risk while maintaining functional completeness
3Ease of operation
If conventional switchable valves are used, then basic valve operation is achieved, but operational simplicity and compactness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve body with multiple ports and a single movable valve member provides all necessary valve functions (injection, bypass, flush, block) through one compact assembly with simplified operation, eliminating the complexity of coordinating multiple valves or complex multi-position mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable valve for a sample injector includes a first valve member and a second valve member that can moved with respect to the other. The first valve member includes a plurality of ports, the second valve member includes a plurality of fluid paths. The plurality of ports include eight circumferential ports distributed along a circumference and one central port arranged at a central position of the first valve member. The plurality of fluid paths include three arcuate fluid paths so as to be couplable with at least two of the circumferential ports and one straight fluid path extending between the central position and a circumferential position so as to be couplable with the central port and one of the circumferential ports.