Acoustic Particle Sizer Probe for Seal-Free Sample Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic particle sizers require diverting a sample into a sealed vessel, leading to potential cross-contamination and false positive readings due to oversize particles from previous samples.
Innovation Solution
A probe and sample vessel system that transmits and receives ultrasonic pulses without using seals, allowing direct liquid medium testing and minimizing contamination risks through a design without side wall openings and using removable cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sealed vessel with O-ring seal is used to hold the liquid medium, then the vessel can be closed and handled, but cross-contamination occurs between different batches due to sample contact with the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the seal (O-ring) from the vessel design entirely. The vessel is opened by lifting the cover without any sealing elements, eliminating the source of cross-contamination while maintaining ease of operation for sample handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel is segmented into distinct components (cup, cover, lid) that can be easily separated and cleaned. The cup can be removed and cleaned separately, allowing thorough decontamination between batches without compromising the integrity of other components.
2Measurement precision
If samples are diverted into a sealed vessel for analysis, then particle size measurement can be performed, but the sampling process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel and cover are prepared in advance with alignment features (protrusions and recesses) that enable rapid, error-proof assembly. This preliminary design preparation eliminates time-consuming alignment adjustments during the sampling process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of closing a sealed vessel by engaging seals and latches, the vessel is opened and closed by simple lifting and placing motions without sealing elements. This inverted approach to vessel closure dramatically reduces the time and complexity of sampling operations.
3Ease of operation
If a vessel with side wall openings is used, then sample access is easier, but contamination risk increases due to additional contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all side wall openings and sealing elements from the vessel design. Sample access is achieved through the open top of the cup, eliminating additional contact surfaces that could contribute to contamination while maintaining ease of sample introduction.
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
Eliminates cross-contamination and enables accurate particle size analysis without sample diversion, facilitating faster and more reliable quality control in industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
At least one ultrasonic pulse transmitter is provided that is configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse through a target liquid medium
Implementation Method 2
At least one ultrasonic receiver is also provided. The reflected ultrasonic pulses are then received
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic pulse transmitter is provided that is configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse through a target liquid medium. A receiver is also provided. Per one embodiment, a reflector is coupled to an automated positioner that moves the reflector to select different positions at select distances from an ultrasonic transceiver. A holder is provided that is configured to maintain the pulse transmitter at a controlled position in relation to the target liquid medium, and that is configured to be carried. In one embodiment of a method, ultrasonic pulses are transmitted through a target liquid medium. The transmitted ultrasonic pulses are then received. A vessel is provided to hold the liquid medium without the use of a seal on the vessel.