A device for extracting environmental samples of cultural relics buried at archaeological excavation sites

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of archaeological sampling, specifically a device for extracting samples from the burial environment of cultural relics at archaeological excavation sites. It includes a tube body with vertically arranged arrays of circular holes on both sides of its length, the two rows of holes being symmetrical and evenly spaced. At least two detachable partitions are installed inside the tube body, forming a partition space between the partitions and the inner wall of the tube body. One side of the circular hole is used to insert a water-collecting needle to obtain liquid samples, and the other side is used to insert a sampling rod to obtain solid or silt samples. By setting vertically arranged arrays of circular holes on both sides of the tube body, forming a structure where one side is for inserting a water-collecting needle and the other side is for inserting a sampling rod, liquid and solid samples can be collected layered at the same or adjacent locations within the same device. This simplifies the operational process at archaeological sites and effectively ensures the consistency and comparability of the collection depth, which is beneficial for studying the stratification characteristics of the burial environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of archaeological sampling, specifically a device for extracting environmental samples from the burial site of cultural relics at an archaeological excavation site. Background Technology

[0002] Archaeology, as a discipline that studies human history and cultural development, places great emphasis on the comprehensive study of artifacts and their burial environment. At excavation sites, archaeologists not only collect unearthed artifacts but also often need to obtain related environmental information, such as soil composition, hydrological conditions, sediment stratification, and their interaction with the surrounding ecosystem. Generally speaking, stratifying samples at different depths and in different forms (such as liquids, solids, and semi-fluids) allows for a more accurate reconstruction of the geological and environmental conditions at the time of burial. Therefore, the reliability and accuracy of on-site sample extraction techniques are crucial for subsequent research during archaeological excavations.

[0003] However, existing technologies for collecting samples from burial environments still have many shortcomings and limitations, failing to meet the demands of modern archaeology for refined, multi-dimensional sample analysis. Specifically, these shortcomings are mainly reflected in the following three aspects:

[0004] Existing archaeological sampling methods often require the use of separate tools or devices to collect water samples and soil / silt samples. For example, some researchers first use drilling equipment or long-tube samplers to extract soil cores at a predetermined depth, and then use a separate water sampling device to pump and collect water from the groundwater or silt environment. While this step-by-step approach can obtain two types of samples to some extent, the need to switch between the two sets of equipment in time or space can easily lead to non-alignment or misalignment of sampling locations. Furthermore, the soil structure may change due to contact with air or water loss during sampling intervals, and the water distribution may change due to infiltration or external disturbances, ultimately resulting in a lack of comparability between the two types of samples.

[0005] Therefore, when archaeologists attempt to comprehensively analyze the relationship between hydrology and soil (or silt) at the same stratum, the lack of complete synchronization between sampling locations and timing often prevents them from obtaining accurately corresponding "homogeneous" samples. This not only reduces the academic value of the samples but also increases the difficulty of subsequent experimental comparison and analysis.

[0006] In existing technologies or general sampling devices, effective sample isolation mechanisms are often lacking. For example, some simple tubular sampling tools only have holes in a single tube wall or end to draw water, and then a sampling rod is inserted through the same or adjacent holes to collect soil. During sampling, water may seep into the soil sampling space or flow back into the water sampling device, and fine particles of solids or silt may also mix into the water sampling device's channels, making it impossible to keep the collected water and soil samples pure. Furthermore, if completely independent equipment is used for separate collection, although cross-contamination can be avoided, the same problem arises again: the consistency of the location and depth of the two types of samples cannot be guaranteed.

[0007] For archaeological research, the reliability of environmental data directly impacts the accuracy of research conclusions. For example, chemical indicators in water samples (such as pH, oxygen content, and heavy metal ion concentration) will lose their original representation of the burial environment if mixed with soil particles or external water sources; similarly, the stratification, moisture content, and actual sediment particle size distribution of soil or silt samples will be disrupted if additional water components are mixed in. These sample contamination and environmental damage issues are common in traditional methods, making it difficult to objectively assess the water and soil conditions and their interaction mechanisms during the burial of cultural relics. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for extracting environmental samples of cultural relics buried at archaeological excavation sites, so as to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0009] Based on the above ideas, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0010] A device for extracting samples from the burial environment of cultural relics at an archaeological excavation site, comprising:

[0011] The device includes a tube body, on which two vertically arrayed circular holes are provided on its two side walls along its length, the two rows of circular holes being symmetrical and spaced evenly; at least two partitions are detachably installed inside the tube body, the partitions forming a separation space with the inner wall of the tube body to reduce the interaction between the soil sample to be collected and the external environment.

[0012] One of the circular holes is used to insert a water-collecting needle to obtain a liquid sample, and the other circular hole is used to insert a sampling rod to obtain a solid or sludge sample.

[0013] By setting vertical arrays of circular holes on both sides of the tube body, forming a structure where one side is for inserting a water-collecting needle and the other side is for inserting a sampling rod, liquid and solid samples can be collected in the same or adjacent locations within the same device, simplifying the operation process at the archaeological site and effectively ensuring the consistency and comparability of the collection depth, which is beneficial for studying the stratification characteristics of the burial environment.

[0014] Preferably, the partition has an arc-shaped structure and is arranged corresponding to the distribution position of the circular holes, so that the water sampling needle and the sampling rod inserted into the circular holes are in different partitioned spaces, thereby reducing the risk of disturbance of the sediment and improving the sample quality.

[0015] The baffle has an arc-shaped structure and can separate individual spaces inside the tube. On the one hand, it ensures that liquids and solids are stored in separate areas during collection, reducing cross-contamination between them. On the other hand, the arc-shaped design can improve the stability of the internal structure of the tube, which helps to reduce the risk of disturbance of sediments and makes the extracted samples more representative and accurate.

[0016] Preferably, the end of the water-collecting needle is connected to a filter nozzle via a flexible tube. The filter nozzle is used to filter particles or impurities and only allow liquid to pass through. The water-collecting needle is inserted from one row of the circular holes into the corresponding partition space, thereby extracting liquid samples from the buried environment at different depths.

[0017] A filter tip is installed at the end of the water sampling needle to effectively filter out mud, sand and impurities, ensuring that relatively pure water or leachate samples are extracted. The flexible tube connection also facilitates flexible needle aspiration at different depths, reducing disturbance to the buried environment during operation and enabling accurate sampling of groundwater or liquid environments.

[0018] Preferably, the sampling rod includes a right-angled bend at one end, with a hollow tip, for obtaining solid or sludge samples and maintaining a certain original state after insertion into the circular hole on the other side.

[0019] The sampling rod has a right-angle bend and a hollow tip, which can better "hook" or hold the silt / soil sample after being inserted into the round hole, avoiding excessive disturbance or detachment of the sample during sampling. The hollow structure of the tip is conducive to carrying a certain volume of solids to reflect the true state of the original soil or silt layer and improve the integrity of the solid sample.

[0020] Preferably, the partition and the tube body are connected by a detachable connection structure, which includes any one or more of the following: slot, thread, or plug, to facilitate cleaning the inside of the tube body or replacing the partition after sampling.

[0021] The partition and the tube body are connected by a detachable structure, which makes it easy to clean, replace or further observe and analyze the inside of the tube body after sampling is completed. At the same time, due to the varied conditions of archaeological excavation, the requirements for samples of different thicknesses and layers are also different. The detachable design makes the device more flexible and versatile when used in the field.

[0022] Preferably, the circular holes are spaced evenly along the length of the tube and have graduations or markings on the outside of the tube, so that the water sampling needle and the sampling rod can collect liquid and solid samples at different depths in a consistent manner.

[0023] The circular holes are arranged at equal intervals along the length of the tube, and scales or markings are set on the outside of the tube. This allows the water sampling needle and sampling rod to perform synchronous or stratified sampling of liquids and solids at the same depth, which is convenient for subsequent comparison and analysis. The markings also further improve the accuracy and traceability of the operation.

[0024] Preferably, the outer diameter of the tube is matched with the aperture of the silt environment to be inserted, and the length of the tube is adjusted accordingly based on the burial depth at the archaeological site to ensure that the burial environment of the cultural relics is sampled in layers at different depths.

[0025] The outer diameter of the tube matches the pore size of the silt environment and the length is adjustable, enabling stable insertion and effective support in areas with deep or shallow burial environments. For different types or depths of archaeological sites, the tube length can be adjusted to achieve more targeted stratified sampling, making it more adaptable and applicable to a wider range of situations.

[0026] Working principle:

[0027] The device is used in archaeological excavation. After inserting the tube into the silt or loose soil layer, the internal space of the tube is divided by the partition. Groundwater and exudate are collected on one side using the water sampling needle, and soil or silt samples are collected on the other side using the sampling rod. The partition separates the liquid channel from the solid channel and isolates the sample area from the external environment, thus avoiding cross-contamination of samples and facilitating the preservation of the original environmental state of each sample.

[0028] During archaeological excavation, the tube is inserted into the silt or soft soil layer, and the internal space can be separated by a partition, so that water and soil samples can be extracted in layers at the same time. The partition effectively reduces the mutual interference between water and silt and maintains the characteristics of their respective in-situ environments. It has obvious advantages in accurately reconstructing the burial environment and reducing cross-contamination between samples, and also facilitates subsequent comprehensive research on the relationship between hydrology and soil layers.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0030] By setting round holes on both sides of the tube and using a water-collecting needle and sampling rod, samples of different forms such as water, soil or silt can be obtained simultaneously at the same or adjacent depths. This helps to more objectively reflect the multidimensional parameters of the cultural relic burial environment and facilitates subsequent comparative analysis.

[0031] A partition is installed inside the tube to create a separate space, making the water intake channel and the sampling channel independent of each other. This prevents liquid and solid samples from interfering with each other during collection, thereby maintaining the integrity of the in-situ environment and improving the reliability and accuracy of the obtained samples.

[0032] The tube can be inserted into silt or soil layers at different depths. The spacing between the circular holes and the graduated markings ensure accurate positioning. The detachable partition and adjustable water sampling needle / rod facilitate cleaning, maintenance, and adaptation to different environmental needs, thus making the device more practical in diverse archaeological scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a front view of a device for extracting environmental samples from the burial site of cultural relics at an archaeological excavation site, according to this utility model.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a device for extracting environmental samples from the burial site of cultural relics at an archaeological excavation site, according to this utility model.

[0035] Figure 3 This utility model relates to a device for extracting environmental samples from the burial site of cultural relics at archaeological excavations. Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of point A.

[0036] Figure 4 This utility model relates to a device for extracting environmental samples from the burial site of cultural relics at archaeological excavations. Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of point B.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a top view of a device for extracting environmental samples from the burial site of cultural relics at an archaeological excavation site, according to this utility model.

[0038] In the diagram, 1 is the tube body; 2 is the round hole; 3 is the partition; 4 is the water needle tube; 41 is the flexible tube; 42 is the filter; 5 is the sampling point; and 51 is the tip. Detailed Implementation

[0039] like Figure 1-5 ,

[0040] The artifact burial environment sample extraction device described in this embodiment is mainly applicable to various archaeological scenarios, such as river silt, lake sediments, and soil layers with high groundwater levels. In practical operation, this device can be used to simultaneously collect liquid and solid samples from different depths to meet the stratified sampling requirements of artifact burial environments, thereby better studying the relationship between ancient human activities and the natural environment.

[0041] The device comprises a tube, partitions, a water-sampling needle, a sampling rod, and corresponding auxiliary parts. The main body of the tube can be made of stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or high-strength plastic; the specific material selection should consider the environmental conditions of the archaeological site, operational intensity requirements, and the principle of minimizing sample interference. The tube is elongated cylindrical, with an outer diameter typically between 40 mm and 100 mm, and an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter by 2 to 4 mm. The wall thickness can be selected within the range of 1 to 3 mm. The tube length can be flexibly customized according to the depth of the burial layer, commonly ranging from 500 mm to 1500 mm, but longer or shorter specifications can also be used to adapt to special environments.

[0042] The outer wall of the tube along its length has two rows of vertically arranged circular holes on both sides. The spacing between the holes in each row is equal, generally between 50 mm and 100 mm, but can be adjusted as needed. The two rows of holes are symmetrical, ensuring the balance of the device and facilitating the differentiation of sampling needs on the left and right sides. The diameter of each hole can be designed according to the size of the water sampling needle or sampling rod, usually between 5 and 15 mm, to ensure smooth insertion of the needle or sampling rod.

[0043] Inside the tube, two or more baffles are installed at positions corresponding to the circular holes. These baffles are fixed to the tube using a detachable connection method. Common connection structures include snap-fit, threaded connections, or plug-in fittings. The baffles are arc-shaped, with their curvature roughly matching the inner wall of the tube, but slightly offset at the left and right circular holes, thus forming several independent partitioned spaces. On the one hand, the arc shape of the baffles effectively conforms to the inner wall of the tube, maximizing the stability of the internal space; on the other hand, the baffles divide the inside of the tube into liquid and solid channels, allowing the sampling needle and sampling rod to each correspond to different vertical spaces, thus ensuring that liquid and solid sampling do not interfere with each other.

[0044] In practice, the structure and distribution of the baffles can effectively maintain the in-situ characteristics of the collected samples. For example, when the tube is inserted into soft silt, water often seeps in or flows; at this time, the baffles ensure that the water is distributed only within the corresponding partitioned area and does not flow to the other side of the device on a large scale, thus better preserving the stratification characteristics of the silt layer and facilitating subsequent research on the correlation between unearthed artifacts and their burial environment.

[0045] The water-collecting needle provided in this embodiment is mainly composed of metal or high-strength plastic tubing. The end of the needle can be connected to a flexible tube and fitted with a filter nozzle as needed. The diameter of the water-collecting needle is typically 1 to 2 millimeters smaller than the diameter of the circular orifice to facilitate insertion and removal. The filter nozzle at the end of the needle is made of a microporous membrane or porous ceramic material, with a pore size generally in the range of 10 to 100 micrometers. It is used to filter out sediment, fine particles, and other impurities, allowing only liquid to enter the needle.

[0046] The flexible hose design allows water samples to be guided into a sampling container, avoiding significant disturbance during direct on-site suction. For example, archaeologists can attach a suction device (such as a manual air pump or electric micro-pump) to the outside of the hose, allowing water to flow slowly into the sampling needle without frequent insertion and removal, thus improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, the hose length can be adjusted according to site conditions, enabling operators to perform sampling in relatively dry and convenient areas, without having to be in close contact with the muddy environment.

[0047] The sampling rod is primarily used for collecting solid or silt samples. The end of the sampling rod features a right-angle bend with a hollow tip. This tip, made of metal or alloy, possesses a certain degree of hardness and corrosion resistance, and is typically 5 to 15 millimeters in length with an inner diameter of approximately 1 to 3 millimeters. Its design aims to "hook" a certain amount of solid sample from the silt or soil layer after penetration, maintaining its relative integrity upon removal, thus reflecting the soil texture, color, and other physicochemical characteristics at that depth.

[0048] The right-angle bend can be 90 degrees or slightly less than 90 degrees, which increases the sampling rod's ability to "grip" the silt / soil after insertion. It also helps to prevent the sample from slipping along the rod or causing large-area disturbance during insertion and removal. Operators can apply moderate rotation or shaking to allow the silt or soil sample to gather in the pointed cavity before slowly withdrawing the sampling rod to obtain a relatively complete columnar or block-shaped sample.

[0049] Operating steps and methods:

[0050] First, at the archaeological site where sampling is to be conducted, a short section of hole is pre-excavated or probed based on the depth of the burial environment and the hardness of the soil (if the strata at the site are soft enough, the tube can be inserted directly). Then, the device is vertically inserted to the target depth, ensuring that the two rows of circular holes remain perpendicular to the ground.

[0051] If the baffle is not pre-installed, it can be fixed to the corresponding position inside the tube using a slot or thread before or during insertion. The baffle needs to be aligned with the inner wall of the tube and the location of the round hole to ensure that the correct dividing channel is matched when the water sampling needle and sampling rod are subsequently inserted.

[0052] The outer wall of the tube is usually marked with graduations or depth markers. Operators can select the target depth according to actual needs and insert the corresponding sampling needle or sampling rod to accurately obtain samples at different depths. The recording process can detail when, at what depth, and what type of sample was extracted to ensure the traceability of experimental or analytical data.

[0053] After determining the depth at which the liquid needs to be collected, insert the sampling syringe through the corresponding round hole, ensuring that its tip and filter reach the predetermined depth. At this point, the suction device (such as a manual suction bulb or a micro-pump) begins to extract the water sample. The liquid passes through the filter into the syringe and tubing, and finally flows into the collection container. To prevent large impurities from affecting the flow rate or clogging the tubing, check the filter for damage and ensure the syringe is unobstructed before sampling.

[0054] Insert the sampling rod into the circular hole at the same or adjacent depth on the other side. Using the right-angle bend at the end of the sampling rod and the cavity at the tip, gently rotate or shake it to collect a certain volume of silt or soil. Then slowly pull it out and transfer the sample into a clean, sealed container for storage. If necessary, on-site labeling or rapid testing (such as pH value, redox potential, etc.) can be performed.

[0055] Depending on the research needs, the above liquid and solid sampling operations can be repeated at predetermined depth intervals (such as every 10 cm or 20 cm) until the expected stratified sampling is completed. All samples should be promptly numbered, labeled, and preserved to avoid confusion or secondary contamination.

[0056] This device is suitable not only for general muddy, silty, or high-moisture soil layers, but also for some relatively hard clay or strata containing small stones and gravel. However, for extremely dense layers or layers with excessive stone content, manual or mechanical loosening is still required before inserting the device. If it is to be used in low-temperature or frozen soil environments, an insulation layer should be added or low-temperature resistant materials should be selected to prevent the tube body and partitions from becoming brittle under extreme temperatures.

[0057] This embodiment significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of archaeological site sampling by simultaneously collecting liquid and solid samples in a single tube. Traditional methods often require separate drilling and soil sampling devices, which are complex to operate and prone to positional deviations or interference. This device, however, utilizes partitioned spaces to collect and preserve water, soil, or silt samples separately. Its adjustable length and detachable components allow it to adapt to different geological depths and soil conditions, making it particularly suitable for water-rich silt or underwater archaeological sites.

[0058] Furthermore, the device in this embodiment demonstrates high cost-effectiveness in terms of maintenance and reuse. Its detachable and washable features allow for repeated use at multiple locations; simply replacing or adjusting the partitions, water syringes, or sampling rods according to new geological conditions allows for rapid deployment in new archaeological excavations. This modular and standardized approach not only improves on-site work efficiency but also promotes information sharing and technical collaboration among different archaeological institutions.

[0059] Liquid samples obtained using this device can be used for subsequent physicochemical tests, such as pH value, conductivity, heavy metal content, dissolved oxygen, and microbial community analysis; solid samples can be used for stratification analysis, particle size distribution determination, soil chemical composition detection, and palynology, identification of plant macroremains or animal remains, etc. Combining these test results can better reveal the changes in the surrounding environment of the site, the characteristics of ancient human activities, and the environmental and human intervention factors during the burial of artifacts. This has significant theoretical and applied value for archaeology, history, environmental science, and even cultural heritage protection.

[0060] In summary, this specific embodiment details the structural design, operating principle, usage, and maintenance of a sample extraction device for the burial environment of cultural relics at archaeological excavations. Through rational material selection, modular design, and a detachable structure, archaeologists can efficiently collect liquid and solid samples under various burial environments while preserving their in-situ characteristics to the greatest extent possible. The practical application of this device not only improves the efficiency and accuracy of archaeological sample acquisition but also provides crucial technical support for subsequent multidisciplinary collaborative research and the preservation of the original state of archaeological sites. In the future, the device structure can be further improved based on different site requirements and research directions, including material upgrades, sensor integration, and the application of automated control, with the aim of achieving wider promotion and application in archaeology and even geological exploration.

Claims

1. An archaeological excavation site artifact burial environment sample extraction device, characterized by, include: The tube (1) includes a pipe body (1) with vertically arranged circular holes (2) on its two side walls along its length. The two rows of circular holes (2) are symmetrical to each other and have the same spacing. At least two partitions (3) are detachably installed inside the pipe body (1). The partitions (3) and the inner wall of the pipe body (1) form a partition space to reduce the interaction between the soil sample to be taken and the external environment. One of the circular holes (2) is used to insert a water-collecting needle tube (4) to obtain a liquid sample, and the other circular hole (2) is used to insert a sampling rod (5) to obtain a solid or sludge sample.

2. The device for extracting samples of the burial environment of cultural relics at an archaeological excavation site according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition (3) has an arc-shaped structure and is set in accordance with the distribution position of the circular hole (2), so that the water sampling needle (4) inserted into the circular hole (2) and the sampling rod (5) are in different partition spaces, thereby reducing the cross-interference between liquid and solid samples and maintaining the relative independence of the sample in situ environment.

3. The device for extracting samples of the burial environment of cultural relics at an archaeological excavation site according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the water-collecting needle (4) is connected to a filter (42) via a hose (41). The filter (42) is used to filter particles or impurities and only allow liquid to pass through. The water-collecting needle (4) is inserted from one row of the round holes (2) into the corresponding partition space to extract liquid samples from the buried environment at different depths.

4. The device for extracting environmental samples of cultural relics buried at archaeological excavation sites according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sampling rod (5) includes a right-angle bent section at the end, and its tip (51) is a hollow structure, which is used to obtain solid or silt samples and maintain a certain original state after being inserted into the circular hole (2) on the other side.

5. The device for extracting samples of the burial environment of cultural relics at an archaeological excavation site according to claim 4, characterized in that, The partition (3) and the tube (1) are connected by a detachable structure, which facilitates cleaning the inside of the tube (1) or replacing the partition (3) after sampling.

6. The device for extracting samples of the burial environment of cultural relics at an archaeological excavation site according to claim 5, characterized in that, The circular holes (2) are spaced at the same distance along the length of the tube (1), and are marked or marked on the outside of the tube (1), so that the water needle tube (4) and the sampling rod (5) can collect liquid and solid samples at different depths.

7. The device for extracting samples of the burial environment of cultural relics at an archaeological excavation site according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the tube (1) is matched with the aperture of the silt environment to be inserted. The length of the tube (1) is adjusted according to the burial depth of the archaeological site to ensure that the burial environment of the cultural relics is sampled in layers at different depths.

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