Torch Assembly Thermal Expansion Tube Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample preparation assemblies for inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy instruments face challenges in securely and efficiently aligning and locking concentric cylindrical tubes, which affects the precision and reliability of chemical analysis.
Innovation Solution
A torch assembly design featuring a support jacket with a thermally expandable and contractable structure that secures concentrically arranged cylindrical tubes through controlled thermal expansion and contraction, forming a gap for fluid flow and using a mounting element with a groove system for additional locking, ensuring precise alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional sample preparation assemblies are used, then the basic function of introducing samples is achieved, but the alignment and stability of concentric tubes are insufficient, affecting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The support jacket is designed to undergo controlled thermal expansion when heated, causing the jacket to expand radially and press the concentric tubes against the inner wall, thereby securing their alignment and preventing radial movement. This thermal expansion mechanism provides a simple yet effective means to achieve precise tube alignment without complex mechanical fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes temperature as a controllable parameter to change the physical state of the support jacket. By heating the jacket to a specific temperature range, its dimensional properties change (expansion), which directly affects the positioning and stability of the concentric tubes. This parameter-based control simplifies the overall structure compared to mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the support structure is made more complex to improve tube stability, then alignment precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support jacket leverages thermal expansion to achieve reliable tube stabilization. When heated, the jacket expands uniformly, creating consistent radial pressure that secures the concentric tubes in place. This single mechanism provides both alignment and stability functions, avoiding the need for multiple separate stabilization components that would increase structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening or clamping systems with a thermal field-based solution. Instead of using screws, clips, or complex mechanical locks to secure the tubes, the system uses controlled heating to induce expansion in the support jacket, which passively secures the tubes through uniform radial pressure. This substitution of mechanical systems with thermal control simplifies the overall structure.
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 enhances the alignment and stability of the concentric tubes, improving the precision and reliability of ICP spectroscopy by maintaining precise tube positioning and facilitating efficient fluid flow, thereby enhancing the accuracy of chemical analysis.
Implementation Method 1
heating a support jacket to induce thermal expansion of a support structure of the support jacket
Implementation Method 2
cooling the support jacket to induce thermal contraction of the support structure of the support jacket
Data Source
AI summary
A torch assembly includes a first tube having opposing first and second ends and a first body structure between the opposing first and second ends. The torch assembly also includes a second tube having opposing first and second ends and a second body structure between the opposing first and second ends. The torch assembly further includes a support jacket. The support jacket includes a support structure. The support structure defines an aperture extending along an axis oriented along a generally longitudinal direction of the support structure. The first tube and the second tube are in a substantially concentric configuration when the second end of the first tube and the second end of the second tube are inserted into the aperture of the support structure.