Adjustable Cross-Sectional Sample Container for Stability Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers used in physical stability testing are of fixed size and shape, requiring multiple containers of different sizes to observe the effects of container size on sample stability, which is inefficient and not representative of real-world conditions.
Innovation Solution
A container with an adjustable cross-sectional area, achieved through a base portion and sidewalls that can be expanded or contracted by feeding or retracting a flexible sheet material, allowing for uniform adjustments in container size during testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-size containers are used to test different container sizes, then the effect of container size on stability can be observed, but the device complexity and number of containers required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a flexible sidewall that can be dynamically adjusted between expanded and contracted states, allowing the same container to provide multiple cross-sectional areas. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for multiple fixed-size containers while maintaining the ability to observe size effects on stability
Solution Approach 2:
The container's cross-sectional area parameter is made variable through the flexible sidewall mechanism. By changing the cross-sectional area parameter of a single container, the system achieves the functionality of multiple containers with different fixed sizes, thereby reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-size containers are used to test different container sizes, then various size conditions can be tested, but the loss of time and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic flexible sidewall allows rapid adjustment between different container sizes within the same physical container. This eliminates the time required to replace containers between tests, significantly improving testing efficiency while maintaining the ability to test various size conditions
Solution Approach 2:
A single container is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different cross-sectional areas through flexible sidewall adjustment. This multi-functionality allows the same container to be used for all size-related stability tests, eliminating the time loss associated with using multiple specialized containers
3Device complexity
If a fixed-size container is used, then the container structure is simple, but the adaptability to different real-world conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The container's cross-sectional area parameter is made adjustable through the flexible sidewall, allowing the same simple structural design to adapt to different real-world conditions. This maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving adaptability to various application scenarios
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
Enables repeated physical stability tests using the same container at multiple sizes, allowing for the observation of how container size affects test outcomes without the need for multiple containers, thereby improving efficiency and relevance to real-world applications.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible sheet material may be fed from a source roll. The cross-sectional area of the sample enclosure is increased by rotating the source roll in a first direction to feed the flexible sheet material into the sample enclosure.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample observation container and methods of use thereof are provided. The sample observation container includes a base and one or more sidewalls extending from the base. The one or more sidewalls form a sample enclosure for holding a sample undergoing a sample observation test such as sedimentation photographical capturing and dynamic light scattering, among other tests. The one or more sidewalls form a sample enclosure of adjustable cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area may be adjusted by feeding or retracting a flexible sheet from a source roll to the sample enclosure. The cross-sectional area may further be adjusted by removing an innermost sidewall from among one or more nested sidewalls. The containers allow for physical adjustment of the cross-sectional area while performing subsequent sample observation tests, thereby allowing assessment of the effects of container size on the results of the sample, such as particles in liquid suspension.