Alignment Tool for Explosive Trace Detector Sampling Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trace analyte detection systems, such as IMS, require precise alignment of sample collection devices to ensure accurate analysis, but existing tools fail to consistently align various sampling media configurations used in different Explosive Trace Detector (ETD) systems, leading to incomplete desorption and inaccurate test results.
Innovation Solution
An alignment tool with multiple cavities and a common slot system that allows for the alignment of different sampling media configurations, enabling consistent deposition of threat material onto target spots across various ETD vendor media, using a metered dose dispenser and actuator dispenser system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single alignment tool is designed for one specific sampling media configuration, then alignment precision for that specific configuration is improved, but adaptability to different ETD vendor media configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool is designed with multiple cavities (first cavity, second cavity, third cavity) that can accommodate different types of sampling media including swabs, wands, and other configurations from various ETD vendors. Each cavity is specifically shaped to hold a particular sampling media type, allowing a single tool to universally align multiple different sampling media configurations while maintaining precise alignment for each type.
2Device complexity
If manual alignment methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool employs self-aligning features where the cavities are designed with specific geometries that guide the sampling media into the correct position automatically. The common slot and barrier structures create natural alignment points that ensure consistent positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or skilled operator intervention, achieving high alignment consistency through intuitive design.
3Device complexity
If sampling media is not properly aligned in the sample collection area, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool performs preliminary alignment of the sampling media before the actual sample collection and analysis process. By ensuring that the sample collection area is precisely positioned within the analyzer's detection zone through the cavity and slot mechanisms, the tool guarantees that when sampling occurs, the collected analyte will be in the correct location for accurate detection, thereby improving measurement precision without adding complexity to the analysis device itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit-of-parts for assembling an apparatus for verifying Explosive Trace Detector responses includes an alignment tool and a dispenser. The alignment tool has a body with a top cavity open on a top side and configured to receive the dispenser housing or a sampling medium head of a sampling medium. The sampling medium head has a sample collection area. The body has a bottom cavity to receive a hammer arm. The body has one or more sampling media cavities disposed between the top cavity and the bottom cavity, each configured to receive another sampling medium having a respective sample collection area. The top cavity and sampling media cavities are in communication with each other via a common slot. The top cavity and sampling media cavities are configured to receive different sampling media and to align the dispenser housing with the sample collection area of each of the different sampling media.