A cloud room sampling method

Abstract

This invention discloses a cloud chamber sampling method, relating to the field of cloud physics experimental technology, and applied to a cylindrical cloud chamber with a sequentially opening and closing transition channel on the cloud chamber wall. The method includes: setting at least three sampling points inside the cloud chamber, evenly distributed along the radius of the cloud chamber; when sampling is required, the control system sequentially executes the following actions based on the selected sampling points: a slide ejection action to separate the target slide; transporting the slide to the vicinity of the inner entrance of the transition channel; opening the inner entrance to insert the slide; closing the inner entrance to isolate the cloud chamber; opening the outer exit to remove the slide; and closing the outer exit. This invention, by setting sampling points at three different radial positions and coordinating with the sequential opening and closing control of the transition channel, achieves multi-point automatic sampling without disrupting the constant pressure, temperature, and humidity inside the cloud chamber, eliminating single-point sampling errors, accurately reflecting the non-uniform distribution of ice crystals, and achieving full-process automation, avoiding human contact contamination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cloud physics experimental technology, and in particular to a cloud chamber sampling method. Background Technology

[0002] In cloud physics and weather modification experiments, large cloud chambers are used to simulate natural atmospheric environments such as low temperature, low pressure, and high humidity to study the formation and evolution of ice crystals and their impact on the life cycle, phase state, and optical characteristics of cold clouds. Sampling and observation of ice crystals are crucial aspects of these experiments. Traditional sampling methods typically require manually opening the cloud chamber door, inserting a glass slide to collect the ice crystals, and then removing it. This process has several problems: First, opening the cloud chamber door disrupts the pressure, temperature, and humidity balance inside the chamber, altering experimental conditions and affecting the true morphology and quantity of ice crystals. Second, single-point sampling cannot reflect the non-uniformity of ice crystal distribution inside the cloud chamber, leading to significant measurement errors. Third, manual operation introduces human contact errors and makes continuous, automated sampling difficult. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a cloud chamber sampling method that does not damage the internal environment of the cloud chamber, enables multi-point sampling, and is highly automated. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cloud room sampling method to solve the problems existing in the prior art, which does not damage the internal environment of the cloud room, enables multi-point sampling, and has a high degree of automation.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides a cloud chamber sampling method applied to a cylindrical cloud chamber. The cloud chamber has a transition channel on its wall that isolates the interior of the cloud chamber from the outside and can be opened and closed sequentially. The method comprises the following steps: at least three sampling points are set inside the cloud chamber, evenly distributed along the radius of the cloud chamber; when it is necessary to obtain a slide at one or more sampling points, the control system executes the following control logic sequentially according to the sampling point selected by the user: S1: Control the slide ejection action at the corresponding sampling point to separate the target slide from the sampling point; S2: Control the transport action to transport the separated target slide along a preset path to the vicinity of the inner entrance of the transition channel; S3: Control the opening of the inner entrance of the transition channel to move the target slide into the transition channel; S4: Control the closing of the inner entrance of the transition channel to isolate the interior of the cloud chamber from the transition channel; S5: Control the opening of the outer exit of the transition channel to move the target slide out of the cloud chamber; S6: Control the closing of the outer exit of the transition channel.

[0005] As one implementation, the control system is able to respond to user commands, simultaneously or sequentially select glass slides from at least two sampling points, and sequentially transport them to the outside of the cloud chamber.

[0006] As one implementation, three sampling points are set inside the cloud chamber. The three sampling points are located at half the radius of the cloud chamber, one-quarter the radius, and the wall of the cloud chamber, respectively. The user selects the "1 / 4 sampling point", "1 / 2 sampling point", "wall sampling point" or "all sampling points" button through the human-computer interaction interface, which corresponds to selecting the slides at one-quarter, one-half, one-wall, or all three sampling points of the cloud chamber radius for the removal operation.

[0007] As one implementation, it also includes warehousing management control logic for containers used to store multiple glass slides: the warehousing operation is initiated through a human-machine interface, and the warehouse number and number of slides of the current container are specified; the warehouse door on the wall of the cloud chamber is opened, and after the container is manually placed in, the lifting action is controlled to move the container into the predetermined storage position inside the cloud chamber; the time of the warehousing operation and the position information of the container are recorded.

[0008] As one implementation, the control logic of step S1 includes: moving the selected container for storing multiple glass slides to the slide dropping station, separating a single glass slide from the container and dropping it to the sampling preparation position, and then pushing the glass slide onto the transport path.

[0009] As one implementation, the control logic of step S2 includes: starting the conveying power to move the glass slide along the transport path, and detecting whether the glass slide has reached the vicinity of the inner entrance of the transition channel through a limit sensor.

[0010] As one implementation, the switching control logic of steps S3 to S6 is as follows: the inner inlet and the outer outlet are normally closed; when the slide needs to enter the transition channel, the inner inlet is opened first, and the inner inlet is closed immediately after the slide enters. After confirming that the inner inlet is completely closed, the outer outlet is allowed to be opened.

[0011] As one implementation, the control system records the operation time and slide number in real time during each execution of steps S1 to S6 on the slide, and stores them in the memory.

[0012] As one implementation, when the cloud chamber is a large cloud chamber, the three sampling points correspond to positions of 750mm, 1500mm, and 3000mm from the inner entrance near the wall of the cloud chamber, respectively; when the cloud chamber is a small cloud chamber, the three sampling points correspond to positions of 375mm, 750mm, and 1500mm from the inner entrance near the wall of the cloud chamber, respectively.

[0013] As one implementation, the control system automatically executes initialization control logic after power-on: bringing each moving part to its initial position, displaying the current internal temperature of the cloud room and the position status of each part, and waiting for user commands.

[0014] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: This invention employs at least three sampling points at different radial locations within the cloud chamber, evenly distributed along the chamber's radius. Compared to single-point sampling, this method more comprehensively reflects the spatial distribution of ice crystals within the cloud chamber, reducing measurement errors. Furthermore, it utilizes a sequentially opening and closing transition channel for slide entry and exit. This method allows for the acquisition of ice crystal samples from multiple spatial locations while maintaining constant pressure, temperature, and humidity within the cloud chamber (without disrupting the experimental environment), thus eliminating measurement errors associated with single-point sampling and accurately reflecting the non-uniform distribution characteristics of ice crystals within the cloud chamber. Simultaneously, this method automates a series of logical steps, including slide ejection, transport, and transition channel opening and closing, through a control system. This achieves full automation from sampling point separation to slide output outside the cloud chamber, avoiding contamination from manual contact and operational errors. It provides a reliable, efficient, and continuous sampling method for cloud physics experiments. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a cloud room sampling method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cloud room sampling method to solve the problems existing in the prior art, which does not damage the internal environment of the cloud room, enables multi-point sampling, and has a high degree of automation.

[0019] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides a cloud chamber sampling method applied to a cylindrical cloud chamber. The wall of the cloud chamber is provided with a transition channel for isolating the interior of the cloud chamber from the outside and which can be opened and closed sequentially. The transition channel has an inner inlet and an outer outlet, which can be opened and closed sequentially to achieve isolation between the interior and the outside of the cloud chamber. The method includes the following steps: setting at least three sampling points inside the cloud chamber, evenly distributed along the radius of the cloud chamber. These three locations cover the main radial area of ​​the cloud chamber from the center to the side wall, which can capture the distribution differences of ice crystals in the radial direction; when it is necessary to obtain the slide at one or more sampling points, The control system performs the following steps sequentially based on the sampling point selected by the user: S1: Control the slide ejection action at the corresponding sampling point to separate the target slide from that sampling point; S2: Control the transport action to convey the separated target slide along a preset path to the vicinity of the inner entrance of the transition channel; S3: Control the opening of the inner entrance of the transition channel to move the target slide into the transition channel; S4: Control the closing of the inner entrance of the transition channel to isolate the interior of the cloud chamber from the transition channel; S5: Control the opening of the outer exit of the transition channel to move the target slide out of the cloud chamber; S6: Control the closing of the outer exit of the transition channel. Through the above steps, the target slide is successfully removed without damaging the internal environment of the cloud chamber. This embodiment achieves a multi-point, pressure-holding, and automated sampling process by setting at least three sampling points at different radial positions within the cloud chamber and combining the sequential opening and closing control of the inner entrance and outer exit of the transition channel. Compared with single-point sampling, this method can more comprehensively reflect the spatial distribution of ice crystals in the cloud chamber and reduce measurement errors. At the same time, since the inner entrance of the transition channel is closed immediately after the slide enters and the outer exit is opened, the inside of the cloud chamber is always isolated from the outside, and the experimental conditions are not disturbed.

[0021] Optionally, the preset path can be a straight conveying path extending radially along the cloud chamber, with the glass slides moved by a conveyor belt or chain.

[0022] Optionally, the control system can pre-store the location coordinates of each sampling point and plan the sequence of film output and transportation accordingly.

[0023] In one implementation, the control system can respond to user commands, simultaneously or sequentially selecting slides from at least two sampling points and transporting them sequentially outside the cloud chamber. For example, with three sampling points, when the user selects "select all three sampling points simultaneously," the control system can sequentially execute the slide output, transport, and passage through the transition channel for each point in the order of near-wall point, half-point, and quarter-point, ultimately outputting the three slides sequentially outside the cloud chamber. Alternatively, the user can select any combination of two sampling points for sampling. This embodiment provides a more flexible sampling strategy, allowing users to simultaneously acquire ice crystal samples from multiple locations according to experimental needs, thereby improving experimental efficiency and facilitating comparative analysis of samples from different locations to further reveal the non-uniformity of ice crystal distribution.

[0024] Optionally, the control system can be configured with a priority order, such as outputting near-wall point samples first to shorten the transport distance and reduce the dwell time in the cloud chamber.

[0025] Optionally, users can select the desired sampling points via the touchscreen, and the system will automatically generate a sampling sequence.

[0026] In one implementation, three sampling points are set inside the cloud chamber, located at half the radius, one-quarter the radius, and the cloud chamber wall, respectively. The user selects a "1 / 4 sampling point," "1 / 2 sampling point," "wall sampling point," or "all sampling points" button via a human-machine interface, corresponding to selecting a slide at one-quarter, one-half, or all three sampling points for the slide removal operation. This human-machine interface can be a touch screen displaying the four buttons, each corresponding to a sampling strategy. With a single press, the control system automatically executes the corresponding operation. This embodiment simplifies the operation process through graphical buttons, reduces the learning cost for operators, avoids errors that may occur from manually inputting coordinates or codes, and improves the convenience and reliability of the sampling operation. It is understood that a sampling point located near the cloud chamber wall refers to a point approximately equidistant from the other two sampling points, dividing the cloud chamber radius.

[0027] Optionally, the button can include a display of the current number of remaining slides.

[0028] Optionally, the human-computer interaction interface can also display the real-time temperature of each sampling point for user reference.

[0029] As one implementation, the system also includes storage management control logic for containers storing multiple slides: First, the storage operation is initiated through a human-machine interface, where the operator specifies the current container's storage number (e.g., storage compartment 1, storage compartment 2) and the number of slides loaded in the container. Then, the control system controls the opening of the storage compartment door on the cloud chamber wall. After the operator places the container containing the slides into the designated position inside the storage compartment door, the control system controls a lifting action to move the container into the predetermined storage position inside the cloud chamber. Finally, the control system records the time of the storage operation and the container's location information, and stores them in the memory. This embodiment achieves automated storage management of slide containers. By automatically recording the storage compartment number, the number of slides, and the storage time, accurate inventory information is provided for subsequent sampling operations, avoiding omissions or errors that may occur during manual registration, and facilitating the traceability of experimental data.

[0030] Optionally, the storage can record detailed logs for each inbound and outbound transaction, supporting queries by time or storage number.

[0031] Optionally, when the number of slides in the container is lower than a preset threshold, the control system can issue a slide replenishment reminder on the human-machine interface.

[0032] As one implementation, the control logic of step S1 includes: moving the selected container for storing multiple slides to the slide dropping station, separating a single slide from the container and dropping it to the sampling preparation position, and then pushing the slide onto the transport path. Specifically, the control system first moves the target container (the container for storing multiple slides, also called a slide holder) to the slide dropping station using a shift motor; then, the ejector motor drives the ejector rod to eject the bottom slide of the target container from the slide outlet, allowing it to fall to the sampling platform (sampling preparation position) by gravity or an auxiliary mechanism; finally, the pusher motor pushes the pusher rod to push the slide horizontally to the starting point of the transport path. This embodiment provides a complete automatic slide ejection control logic, realizing fully automated operation of separating, positioning, and pushing single slides from the container without manual intervention, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of each slide ejection.

[0033] Optionally, an elastic pressing mechanism can be installed at the bottom of the container to ensure that the bottom slide is always in contact with the slide outlet and to prevent jamming.

[0034] Optionally, a photoelectric sensor can be set to detect whether there is a slide at the sampling preparation position before pushing the slide, in order to avoid pushing without a slide.

[0035] In one implementation, the control logic of step S2 includes: activating the conveyor power to move the slide along the transport path, and detecting whether the slide has reached the vicinity of the inner entrance of the transition channel using a limit sensor. The control system activates the conveyor motor (e.g., a brushless DC geared motor) to drive the chain or conveyor belt, moving the slide along the transport path towards the transition channel. A limit sensor is installed near the inner entrance of the transition channel. When the slide moves to the sensor position, the sensor sends a position signal to the control system, which then confirms that the slide has reached the predetermined position and can execute the subsequent entrance opening action. This embodiment achieves accurate detection of the slide's transport position through the limit sensor, avoiding the problem of the slide failing to enter the transition channel or getting stuck due to over- or under-transportation, thus improving the reliability and positioning accuracy of the transport process.

[0036] Optionally, a limit sensor can be installed at the start and end of the transport path to achieve full-process position monitoring.

[0037] As one implementation, the switching control logic for steps S3 to S6 is as follows: the inner inlet and outer outlet are normally closed; when a slide needs to enter the transition channel, the inner inlet is opened first, and immediately closed after the slide enters. Only after confirming that the inner inlet is completely closed is the outer outlet allowed to open. Specifically, when the limit sensor detects that the slide has reached the vicinity of the inner inlet, the control system first issues a command to open the inner inlet. After the slide is sent into the transition channel, the control system immediately commands to close the inner inlet and confirms that it is completely closed through position feedback. Only after confirming that the inner inlet is completely closed will the control system allow the outer outlet to open. After the outer outlet is opened, the slide is removed (e.g., by a robotic arm or by a conveyor mechanism), and then the outer outlet is immediately closed. Throughout the entire process, the inner inlet and outer outlet are never opened simultaneously. This embodiment, through this sequential control logic, ensures that only one inlet is always open in the transition channel, thereby preventing direct communication between the cloud chamber and the outside atmosphere. Even if there is a trace amount of gas exchange within the transition channel, the core environment (pressure, temperature, and humidity) inside the cloud chamber will not be disturbed because the inner inlet is closed, thus maintaining the stability of the experimental conditions to the maximum extent.

[0038] Optionally, if no closure feedback is received within a specified time after the inner entrance closure command is issued, the control system may issue an alarm and suspend subsequent operations.

[0039] As one implementation, the control system records the operation time and slide number in real time during each step S1 to S6 of the slide operation and stores the data in the memory. During each sampling operation, the control system automatically records the start time of the sampling, the execution time of each step, the slide number (e.g., which slide was taken from the container), and the sampling location (which sampling point). This embodiment achieves full traceability of the sampling process. Researchers can later use the recorded timestamps and slide numbers to correlate the microscopic observation results with the cloud chamber state parameters at the sampling time, greatly facilitating post-processing and quality control of experimental data.

[0040] Optionally, the data in the memory can be exported via USB interface or network for analysis by an external computer.

[0041] Optionally, the system can support searching and filtering by date, sampling point, or slide number.

[0042] As one implementation, when the cloud chamber is a large cloud chamber, the three sampling points correspond to positions of 750mm, 1500mm, and 3000mm from the inner entrance near the wall of the cloud chamber, respectively; when the cloud chamber is a small cloud chamber, the three sampling points correspond to positions of 375mm, 750mm, and 1500mm from the inner entrance near the wall of the cloud chamber, respectively. It is understood that the specific dimensions of the large and small cloud chambers are defined by the cloud chamber equipment itself; this embodiment only provides the distance values ​​of the sampling points relative to the inner entrance near the wall. In actual operation, the control system automatically maps buttons such as "1 / 4 sampling point" to the corresponding actual distance positions according to the current cloud chamber type (which can be set via parameters). This embodiment provides clear parameter configurations for different specifications of cloud chambers (two commonly used sizes, large and small), allowing this method to be directly applied to actual equipment without recalibration each time, thus improving the practicality and versatility of the method.

[0043] Optionally, the control system can be equipped with a "cloud room specification" selection switch, allowing users to manually switch between large and small cloud room modes.

[0044] Optionally, for cloud rooms of non-standard sizes, users can be allowed to customize the distance values ​​of the three sampling points.

[0045] As one implementation, the control system automatically executes initialization control logic upon power-up: positioning all moving parts in their initial positions, displaying the current internal temperature of the cloud chamber and the position status of each component, and awaiting user commands. Specifically, upon power-up, the control system first performs a self-check, driving all motors (such as shift motors, ejector motors, push rod motors, conveyor motors, etc.) back to their respective zero points or initial positions. Simultaneously, the temperature sensor reads the current internal temperature of the cloud chamber and displays it on the human-machine interface. The interface also displays the position status of each moving part (e.g., "Zeroed" or "Not in Position"). After initialization, the system enters standby mode, waiting for the user to issue sampling or storage commands via buttons. This embodiment, through automatic initialization upon power-up, ensures that each moving part is in a known safe position after each startup, avoiding malfunctions or collision damage caused by unknown positions due to previous power outages. Simultaneously, the real-time display of temperature and component status provides operators with intuitive system health information, improving system safety and ease of use.

[0046] Optionally, if a moving part fails to return to zero, the control system can issue an audible and visual alarm and display the location of the fault on the interface.

[0047] Optionally, after initialization, the control system can automatically perform a no-load simulation run to verify whether the functions of each sensor and motor are normal.

[0048] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A cloud chamber sampling method, applied to a cylindrical cloud chamber, wherein the wall of the cloud chamber is provided with a transition channel for isolating the interior of the cloud chamber from the exterior and capable of being opened and closed sequentially, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: At least three sampling points are set inside the cloud chamber, and the three sampling points are evenly distributed along the radius of the cloud chamber; When it is necessary to obtain slides at one or more sampling points, the control system executes the following control logic sequentially according to the sampling points selected by the user: S1: Control the slide ejection action at the corresponding sampling point to separate the target slide from the sampling point; S2: Control the transport action to transport the separated target slide along a preset path to the vicinity of the inner entrance of the transition channel; S3: Control the opening of the inner entrance of the transition channel to move the target slide into the interior of the transition channel; S4: Control the closing of the inner entrance of the transition channel to isolate the interior of the cloud chamber from the transition channel; S5: Control the opening of the outer exit of the transition channel to move the target slide out to the outside of the cloud chamber; S6: Control the closing of the outer exit of the transition channel.

2. The cloud chamber sampling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system can respond to user commands, simultaneously or sequentially select glass slides from at least two sampling points, and transport them sequentially to the outside of the cloud chamber.

3. The cloud chamber sampling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Three sampling points are set inside the cloud chamber, located at half the radius, one-quarter the radius, and the wall of the cloud chamber, respectively. Users can select the "1 / 4 sampling point", "1 / 2 sampling point", "wall sampling point" or "all sampling points" button through the human-computer interaction interface to select the slides at one-quarter, one-half, or all three sampling points of the cloud chamber radius for the removal operation.

4. The cloud chamber sampling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the storage management control logic for containers used to store multiple glass slides: the storage operation is initiated through the human-machine interface, and the current container's storage number and the number of slides are specified; the door on the cloud chamber wall is opened, and after the container is manually placed in, the lifting action is controlled to move the container into the predetermined storage position inside the cloud chamber; the time of the storage operation and the location information of the container are recorded.

5. The cloud chamber sampling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control logic of step S1 includes: moving the selected container for storing multiple glass slides to the slide dropping station, separating a single glass slide from the container and dropping it to the sampling preparation position, and then pushing the glass slide onto the transport path.

6. The cloud chamber sampling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control logic of step S2 includes: starting the conveying power to move the glass slide along the transport path, and detecting whether the glass slide has reached the vicinity of the inner entrance of the transition channel through the limit sensor.

7. The cloud chamber sampling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching control logic for steps S3 to S6 is as follows: the inner inlet and the outer outlet are normally closed; when the slide needs to enter the transition channel, the inner inlet is opened first, and the inner inlet is closed immediately after the slide enters. After confirming that the inner inlet is completely closed, the outer outlet is allowed to be opened.

8. The cloud chamber sampling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During each execution of steps S1 to S6 by the slide, the control system records the operation time and slide number in real time and stores them in the memory.

9. The cloud chamber sampling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the cloud chamber is a large cloud chamber, the three sampling points correspond to positions of 750mm, 1500mm, and 3000mm from the inner entrance near the wall of the cloud chamber, respectively; when the cloud chamber is a small cloud chamber, the three sampling points correspond to positions of 375mm, 750mm, and 1500mm from the inner entrance near the wall of the cloud chamber, respectively.

10. The cloud chamber sampling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After power-on, the control system automatically executes the initialization control logic: putting each moving part in its initial position, displaying the current internal temperature of the cloud room and the position status of each part, and waiting for user commands.

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