Titration System Tag-Based Plunger Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current titration systems face challenges in accurately determining the end point due to inconsistent mass flow delivery, especially when using syringes of different nominal volumes, leading to potential errors and time-consuming corrections, which can result in dilution of samples or repeated analyses.
Innovation Solution
A system with a syringe or tip equipped with a tag that contains information about its type and condition, coupled with a metering equipment that includes a reading device and control device to adjust the plunger movement based on the tag data, allowing for precise control of mass flow and facilitating the recognition of the end point by delivering small defined amounts of liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If syringes of different nominal volumes are used for titration, then the versatility of the titration system is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent mass flow delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically adjusts the mass flow delivery parameters based on the syringe type identified by the reading device. Different syringe nominal volumes trigger different delivery parameters, ensuring consistent precision across all syringe sizes. This resolves the contradiction by dynamically changing system parameters to maintain measurement precision while preserving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading device reads the tag on the syringe to identify its type, and the control device uses this information to adjust the mass flow delivery accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the system adapts to different syringes while maintaining consistent measurement precision, resolving the contradiction between versatility and precision.
2Measurement precision
If the speed of syringe plunger is decreased near the end point to improve precision, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to slower titration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the plunger speed based on the titration phase. During the initial phase, higher speeds are used to complete the titration quickly. Near the end point, the control device automatically reduces the speed to deliver smaller, more precise increments. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing speed at different stages of the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The titration process uses periodic delivery steps with varying speeds. Larger increments are delivered during the initial phase, followed by smaller increments near the end point. This periodic variation in delivery rate allows the system to maintain precision while minimizing overall titration time.
3Measurement precision
If small mass flow is delivered in proximity of end point to improve precision, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of missing end point
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the titration progress and uses feedback from the reading device to adjust delivery. When approaching the end point, the system automatically switches to smaller, more controlled increments. This feedback mechanism ensures that the end point is not missed while maintaining precision, resolving the contradiction between precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for end point detection by automatically reducing the delivery rate before the end point is reached. This preliminary action ensures that the titration approaches the end point slowly and deliberately, preventing overshooting while maintaining precision throughout the process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different syringes with different nominal volumes are used, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple holding devices and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The metering equipment is designed with a universal holding device that can accommodate different syringe types. The reading device and control device work together to identify and adapt to various syringe configurations, allowing a single piece of equipment to handle multiple syringe types without requiring separate holding devices for each type. This universality resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for titrating liquids, with a syringe or tip, comprising a holding device and at least one tag and a metering equipment, comprising an additional holding device for holding the syringe or tip on the holding device, a reading device for reading the tag of the syringe or tip held by the additional holding device, a driving device having a motor, which is detachably coupled with a plunger of the syringe when the same is held by the additional holding device, or which is coupled with a plunger which is arranged in a cylinder which is coupled with the tip via a fluid conduit, when the same is held by the additional holding device, an operating device for operating the metering equipment and a control device, connected with the operating device, the reading device and the driving device, which controls the movement of the plunger depending of the tag of the inserted syringe or tip.