SPME Transport Adapter for Automated Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid phase micro extraction (SPME) methods face challenges in automation due to complex handling systems and lack of connection to syringes, particularly for collectors designed as fibers or hose materials, which hinder reproducible and efficient sample preparation for gas chromatography.
Innovation Solution
A device with a clamp ring and transport adapter system that securely seals the sample vessel with a collector, allowing for automated handling and transportation, using a piercable partition or sealing element like O-rings to ensure a tight seal and facilitate automated sampling, regardless of the collector's design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fiber or hose material collector is used for solid phase micro extraction, then the extraction capability is improved, but the handling complexity increases due to lack of syringe connection
Solution Approach 1:
A transport adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the collector and the sample vessel. This adapter includes a connection head that interfaces with the collector and a connection insert that seals to the sample vessel, enabling automated handling without requiring direct syringe connection to the collector itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the collector (fiber or hose material), the transport adapter (with connection head and connection insert), and the sample vessel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates automated assembly and disassembly operations
2Extent of automation
If a complex handling system with syringes is used, then the automation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport adapter serves as a simplified intermediary that enables automated handling by providing standardized connection interfaces. The connection head attaches to the collector while the connection insert seals to the sample vessel, eliminating the need for complex syringe-based handling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The transport adapter provides multiple functions within a single component: it connects to the collector, seals to the sample vessel, and enables automated gripping and transportation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the automated handling system
3Reliability
If a piercable partition or sealing element is used, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element (such as an O-ring) is designed as a simple, replaceable component that provides reliable sealing through radial compression. When worn or damaged, it can be easily replaced without affecting the overall system structure, balancing reliability with simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible sealing element like an O-ring is used to create the seal between the connection insert and the sample vessel. This flexible element conforms to the sealing surface and provides reliable sealing through elastic deformation under compression
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 solution simplifies the automation of SPME by ensuring reliable sealing and secure transportation of samples, enabling efficient sample preparation and analysis, particularly for thermodesorption devices, and supports various collector types and materials.
Implementation Method 1
the pressing produces the sealing function in a mounting of the clamping ring on the neck of the sample vessel
Implementation Method 2
O-rings as sealing elements, as they allow a sealing function through axial and radial pressing
Implementation Method 3
the fiber is first in a needle used as a housing, which can pierce the septum of a sample vessel. The fiber attached to a syringe piston can then be out of the needle. After a defined sampling time in which the analytes are diffused to the solid phase and be adsorbed there
Implementation Method 4
After a defined sampling time in which the analytes are diffused to the solid phase and be adsorbed there
Implementation Method 5
the needle is retracted and then introduced into the injector of a gas chromatograph. It follows the thermodying of the analytes and their gas chromatographic separation and determination
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Apparatus for solid-phase microextraction and analysis of substances to be investigated, in particular for analysis in a gas chromatograph, comprising at least one collector (13) made of sorbing and/or adsorbing material, arranged on a rod-shaped support (14), wherein the support (14) has a diameter in the range of 1 to 6 mm and the adsorbent layer has a thickness in the range of 0.05 to 2 mm, and comprising at least one sample vessel (10) that can be sealed and closed with a pierceable partition (15), into which the collector (13) can be inserted for a sampling period by piercing the partition (15), and the closure (16) of the sample vessel (10) is composed of the pierceable partition (15) and a clamping ring (17) that can be attached to the sample vessel (10), which secures the partition (15) together with a sealing element (18) to an upper edge (19) of the sample vessel. (10) presses, and which has a receiving socket (20),in which a holder (22) of a transport adapter (21) attached to a handling end of the rod-shaped carrier (14) is detachable and can be secured with sealing surface pressure (24) when the collector (13) is inserted into the sample vessel (10) after piercing the partition (15).