Solvent-Mixing Analysis Using Pressure-Based Solvent Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical devices face challenges in efficiently and reliably deriving solvent-associated information, particularly in high-pressure liquid chromatography systems, due to the complexity and laboriousness of setting solvent parameters, and the need for additional sensors to determine solvent properties, which increases costs and confusion.
Innovation Solution
An analytical device with a fluid drive streams a first and second solvent as a mixture, using an existing pressure sensor to measure physical parameters at different mixing ratios, and an evaluation device compares these measurements with a reference to derive solvent information, eliminating the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are used to determine solvent properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing pressure sensor perform an additional function by using it to determine solvent properties through measuring pressure variations at different mixing ratios, rather than requiring a dedicated sensor for this purpose
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing pressure sensor to self-determine solvent properties, eliminating the need for external or additional measurement devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solvent containers and channels are used, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and provides feedback about which solvents are in which channels by measuring pressure variations, eliminating the need for manual tracking and reducing operator confusion
Solution Approach 2:
The system self-identifies solvent locations and properties automatically, freeing the operator from the burden of manual solvent management
3Manufacturing precision
If solvent parameters are manually set using a solvent table, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases due to labor-intensive processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines solvent properties and configuration without requiring operator intervention to set parameters manually
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of setting solvent parameters with an automated sensor-based determination system
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 allows for efficient and reliable identification of solvent mixtures without additional hardware, reducing costs and complexity by using existing sensors to determine solvent properties through relative variations in physical parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid drive (e.g., an analytical pump), configured to stream a first solvent (e.g., water) and a second solvent (e.g., acetonitrile) along a flow path (e.g., from the fluid drive to a sample separation device), so that the first solvent and the second solvent are streamed as a mixture (with a specific ratio) at least during a time period
Implementation Method 2
a determination device (e.g., a pressure sensor), configured to determine a value of a physical parameter (e.g., pressure) (in other words: configured to determine a parameter indicative of a property, in particular a physical property, of the mixture) with respect to the streaming of the mixture along the flow path for at least two measurements each with a different mixing ratio of the first solvent and the second solvent
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical device, in particular for analyzing a fluidic sample, includes a fluid drive configured to stream a first solvent and a second solvent along a flow path, so that the first solvent and the second solvent are streamed as a mixture at least during a time period. A determination device is configured to determine a value of a physical parameter with respect to the streaming of the mixture along the flow path, for at least two measurements each with a different mixing ratio of the first solvent and the second solvent, thereby determining at least two measurement results. An evaluation device is configured to compare the at least two determined measurement results with a reference, and to derive an information associated with the first solvent and/or the second solvent based on the comparison.