Aerosol Sampler Wick Liquid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerosolized particle detection methods are hindered by the difficulty in collecting and detecting low-density aerosolized toxins, such as those produced by cyanobacteria, which are challenging to identify and require expensive, high-volume sampling equipment, often limited to laboratory use and unsuitable for remote locations, and are prone to sampler liquid evaporation issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control unit with a computing device, air pump, rotameter, and environmental sensors in an environmentally hardened casing, capable of collecting aerosol samples using liquid or solid collection media, with automated fluid monitoring and adjustment, allowing for extended sampling periods and efficient particle capture, even in remote environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive, high-volume sampling equipment is used to collect aerosolized toxins, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase, making it unsuitable for remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sampling function into multiple collection media (liquid and solid) that can be independently managed. The liquid collection medium uses a wick-based delivery system separated from the solid filter medium, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs passive sampling mechanisms that require minimal external power or maintenance. The liquid delivery system uses capillary action through wicks to transport liquid to the filter medium without requiring pumps or external power sources, enabling deployment in remote locations.
2Quantity of substance
If sampling duration is extended to collect sufficient aerosol density, then the sample quality is improved, but the risk of sampler liquid evaporation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wick acts as an intermediary between the liquid reservoir and the filter medium, controlling liquid delivery through capillary action. This intermediary mechanism prevents excessive liquid accumulation that would lead to evaporation, while still providing sufficient liquid to the sampling surface for extended collection periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state management of the liquid collection medium by using a wick-based delivery system that regulates liquid flow through capillary forces. This parameter change in liquid delivery mechanism allows extended sampling without saturation or excessive evaporation.
3Productivity
If liquid collection medium is used to capture aerosolized particles, then the sampling efficiency is improved, but the liquid level may drop below threshold due to evaporation or consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates liquid level sensing that provides feedback to the control unit. When the liquid level in the collection medium drops below a predetermined threshold, the control unit activates the liquid delivery system to replenish the liquid, maintaining optimal sampling conditions throughout extended operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid delivery system operates continuously or periodically to maintain the liquid level in the collection medium at optimal levels. This continuous action ensures that the sampling efficiency is maintained without interruption due to liquid depletion.
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 reliable detection of aerosolized toxins by collecting samples of sufficient density for on-site laboratory analysis, improving the quality and quantity of data collected, especially in challenging environments, and extending sampling periods without the need for line voltage.
Implementation Method 1
propelling air, via an air pump, through a collection medium of the one or more collection media
Implementation Method 2
collecting an aerosol sample in at least one of one or more collection media including at least one liquid collection medium
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for collecting aerosol samples is provided. The present invention may include, responsive to one or more sample collection criteria being met, collecting an aerosol sample in at least one of one or more collection media including at least one liquid collection medium, wherein collecting the aerosol sample comprises propelling air, via an air pump, through a collection medium of the one or more collection media for a duration equal to a sample integration time; responsive to detecting that a sampler liquid level in at least one liquid collection medium is below a threshold, raising the sampler liquid level in the at least one liquid collection medium to meet the threshold; and transmitting a message alerting one or more users that the aerosol sample has been collected.