Stationary Sample Container with Pneumatic Outlet for In-Situ Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample containers for small-volume liquid samples require frequent removal and replacement, leading to labor-intensive processes and high risks of contamination during sample preparation in analytical chemistry.
Innovation Solution
A stationary sample container with a conical receiving region and a pneumatically operated, asymmetrical outlet opening that remains closed liquid-tight, allowing for in-situ cleaning and flushing cycles using a substitution or cleaning fluid, minimizing contamination and personnel intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vials in racks are used and removed after use, then sample containers can be easily replaced, but the process becomes labor-intensive and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container is designed to remain stationary at the application site and service itself through in-situ cleaning and flushing cycles. The container autonomously performs cleaning operations using integrated fluid delivery systems, eliminating the need for manual removal and replacement by personnel, thereby reducing both labor intensity and contamination risks
Solution Approach 2:
The sample container is divided into functionally independent modules: a stationary receiving region for samples, a separate cleaning/flushing system with fluid delivery, and an outlet system. This segmentation allows the container to remain in place while specific functions (cleaning, flushing) are performed independently without requiring removal of the entire container
2Productivity
If vials in racks are removed and replaced frequently, then sample preparation can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to labor-intensive interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container enables continuous operation by maintaining a ready-to-use state through automated in-situ cleaning and flushing cycles. The container can immediately begin receiving new samples after cleaning without interruption for removal or replacement, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous productive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning and flushing cycles are performed preliminarily within the container before new samples are introduced. This preliminary preparation ensures the container is ready for immediate use without requiring removal or replacement, thereby eliminating time losses associated with rack changes
3Reliability
If a stationary sample container is used, then contamination risks are reduced, but the container requires complex in-situ cleaning and flushing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning and flushing systems are merged with the sample container structure itself. Fluid delivery channels, outlets, and cleaning mechanisms are integrated into the container design, eliminating the need for separate external cleaning equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining contamination prevention benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary sample container is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a sample receiving vessel and as an integrated cleaning/flushing system. The same structure that receives samples also contains the fluid delivery and cleaning mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cleaning equipment
4Reliability
If frequent rack replacement is performed, then sample freshness is maintained, but labor costs and contamination exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container autonomously maintains sample freshness through automated in-situ cleaning and flushing cycles without requiring personnel intervention. The container self-manages its own preparation and maintenance, eliminating the need for manual rack replacement while ensuring sample freshness is maintained through controlled cleaning operations
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
The solution enables continuous, contamination-free operation by allowing in-situ cleaning and maintenance, reducing the need for external handling and minimizing contamination risks, while maintaining precision and availability for long-term tests.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet opening being reversibly closed in a liquid-tight manner by an actuator with a closure surface
Implementation Method 2
connected to an extractor and preferably to a pump that can generate a vacuum at the drain opening or, if present, in the drain space. Liquid can thus be withdrawn downwardly with an open outlet opening
Implementation Method 3
The receiving region can be produced from a fluoroplastic or can be coated with a fluoroplastic. Suitable fluoroplastics, for example, comprise a PTFE/PPVE copolymer. The same applies to the actuator or at least to its closure surface. Fluoroplastics typically have a pronounced chemical resistance and hydrophobic and oleophobic properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sample container for receiving small-volume liquid samples, preferably samples obtained by vapor phase decomposition, wherein the container has an upwardly open receiving region. In accordance with the invention, the receiving region has an outflow opening at its lowest point that is reversibly closed in a liquid-tight manner by an actuator having a closure surface.