Portable Air Sampling Device with Sealed Carousel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable air sampling devices often fail to meet requirements for being small, lightweight, capable of collecting multiple samples over extended periods, producing uncontaminated samples, offering automated sampling and data logging, and being affordable.
Innovation Solution
A portable, automated air sampling device with a carousel for holding sample tubes, an air pump for collection, and a housing with seals to prevent contamination, allowing for automatic sampling and data logging, and a control system for programming sampling intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a portable air sampling device is made small and lightweight, then portability is improved, but the ability to collect multiple samples over extended periods and provide automated sampling may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions (sampling, sealing, storage, and data logging) into a single integrated portable unit. The carousel mechanism integrates sample tube holding, automated positioning, and seal application in one compact structure, eliminating the need for separate bench-top equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it collects air samples, seals them automatically, stores multiple samples in a compact carousel, logs data internally, and maintains sample integrity throughout the extended period. This multi-functionality in a single unit resolves the contradiction between portability and automated sampling capability.
2Weight of moving object
If a portable air sampling device is made small and lightweight, then portability is improved, but the reliability of producing uncontaminated samples may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies seals to sample tubes immediately after sampling in the carousel, before removal from the device. This preliminary sealing action prevents contamination during storage and transport, ensuring sample reliability despite the compact portable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates controlled access to sample tubes. It positions tubes for sampling, maintains their sealed state during storage, and enables clean removal without exposure to contaminants, thus preserving sample integrity in a portable format.
3Productivity
If automated sampling and data logging are implemented, then sampling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs automated sampling sequences and data logging without requiring external control systems or complex programming. The carousel mechanism and internal microcontroller handle sampling automation autonomously, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a portable air sampling device collects samples over days or weeks, then the duration of sampling is improved, but the risk of sample contamination and device maintenance requirements may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device seals sample tubes immediately after collection within the carousel, creating a protective barrier before the samples are removed. This preliminary sealing prevents contamination during extended storage periods, enabling reliable sampling over days or weeks.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal mechanism uses flexible sealing elements (such as O-rings or membrane seals) that create airtight closures on sample tubes. These thin film seals prevent contamination while allowing the compact portable design to maintain sample integrity throughout extended storage durations.
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, easy-to-use, and affordable collection of air samples over days or weeks, minimizing contamination and providing efficient data logging, while being compact and lightweight for easy portability.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump for pulling air through the carousel to collect a sample
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
An air sampling device is provided. The air sampling device has a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, an air pump in gaseous communication with the air inlet and air outlet, and a carrier having a first face and a second opposing face. The carrier includes a plurality of receptacles disposed in a circumferential pattern and configured to receive a sample tube. The device includes a first plate disposed adjacent to and substantially covering the first face of the carrier, wherein the first plate comprises a first sample opening. The device includes a second plate disposed adjacent to and substantially covering the second face of the carrier. The second plate comprises a second sample opening that is circumferentially aligned with the first sample opening to define a circumferential sample position. The device intermittently indexes a receptacle of the carrier into the circumferential sample position. The device includes a plurality of seals to form an air-tight seal in the receptacles in the circumferential sample position.