Automatic Air-Sampling Cartridge Transport System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-sampling systems require human operators to retrieve samples, risking contamination and interrupting sampling operations, and lack the ability to rapidly retrieve samples while continuing concurrent sampling.
Innovation Solution
An automatic system that uses a vacuum pump to collect aerosols through an inlet tube and transports the air-sampling cartridges to a remote destination using pneumatic pressure, allowing simultaneous sampling and transport operations via a wheel or linear assembly mechanism, with autonomous alignment and sealing mechanisms to maintain airtight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human operators retrieve air samples manually, then samples can be collected and stored, but contamination risk increases and sampling operations are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air sampling function into multiple cartridges that can be independently handled. Each cartridge is a self-contained sampling unit that can be automatically replaced and transported without requiring operators to handle the entire sampling system, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic cartridge replacement and pneumatic transport mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual operator intervention in sample retrieval. The automated system performs the retrieval function itself through sealed cartridge ejection and pneumatic conveyance to remote locations, ensuring sample integrity without interrupting sampling operations
2Productivity
If operators retrieve samples at the end of operation, then sampling continues uninterrupted, but sample retrieval time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions multiple sampling cartridges in the sampling head assembly before operation begins. This preliminary preparation allows immediate cartridge replacement when sampling is complete, eliminating retrieval delays while maintaining continuous sampling capability across multiple cartridges
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous sampling productivity by implementing automated pneumatic transport that immediately conveys collected samples to remote locations. This continuous action ensures samples are retrieved promptly without delaying subsequent sampling operations, as the automated system handles transport concurrently with ongoing sampling
3Productivity
If multiple sampling cartridges are used simultaneously, then sampling capacity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple sampling cartridges into a single integrated sampling head assembly. This consolidation allows multiple cartridges to be managed as one unit, increasing sampling capacity while minimizing the complexity of individual cartridge management through unified installation, removal, and transport mechanisms
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 continuous air sampling without human intervention, reducing contamination risks and allowing rapid retrieval of samples while maintaining uninterrupted sampling operations, improving efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump to pull ambient air through an inlet tube and an aligned air-sampling cartridge
Implementation Method 2
transport it through the outlet tube to a remote destination using pneumatic pressure supplied by a compressor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention collect solid, vapor, and/or biological components of the air in air-sampling cartridges that are then transported to an off-site location by pneumatic pressure. Operation proceeds by first collecting a sample of air in an air-sampling cartridge in a sampling position, then advancing a cartridge assembly to move the now-used sampling cartridge into a transport position while simultaneously moving an unused sampling cartridge into the sampling position, and finally using pneumatic pressure to push the used sampling cartridge in the transport position to an off-site location via a transport tube. The sampling operation can begin again while the transport operation is in still in progress. These operations can be pre-programmed locally or triggered by remote communication. Continued operation is possible due to a plurality of unused air-sampling cartridges retained in the cartridge assembly. Since operations can be triggered remotely and air samples are autonomously transported off site, embodiments of this invention eliminate unnecessary risks to human health created by other air-sampling devices, which require an operator to be present at a potentially hazardous sampling site to activate the device or retrieve air samples. Additionally, embodiments of the invention can be installed pre-emptively to eliminate risks to human health created when an operator must deliver a portable air-sampling device to a potentially contaminated sampling site. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention allow rapid retrieval of air samples following sample collection, which can expedite analysis and identification of aerosols and consequently help minimize human exposure to potentially dangerous and life-threatening chemical and biological contaminants.