Attached Matter Inspection Device with Segmented Sampling Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attached matter inspection devices face challenges with large size due to continuous sampling chamber walls and high probability of sample fine particles adhering to these walls, requiring large aspiration means and increasing the risk of accidents and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A device with a sampling chamber having side and upper walls, where the air nozzle is positioned on one side wall and the collector is positioned under the opposite side wall, utilizing a fan for air flow and a collector with a continuously curved inner wall to guide air flow, reducing particle adherence and allowing for smaller device size and improved particle transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the sampling chamber has continuous wall surfaces to the collection filter, then the structural integrity is improved, but the surface area increases causing sample fine particles to adhere to walls and reducing collection efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcollection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collection filter is designed with a curved surface shape instead of flat continuous walls. This curvature prevents sample fine particles from adhering to wall surfaces by eliminating flat areas where particles could settle, thereby maintaining collection efficiency while preserving structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Power

If a large-sized aspiration means is used to aspirate the interior of the sampling chamber, then the aspiration capability is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaspiration capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling chamber is divided into multiple separate chambers instead of one large continuous space. This segmentation reduces the total volume requiring aspiration, allowing the use of smaller aspiration means while maintaining effective particle collection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a delivery means with opening portions is used to drop sample fine particles, then the particle delivery function is improved, but the risk of accidents such as objects being caught or small items falling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle delivery functionVSAvoidaccident risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical delivery means with opening portions is replaced by a gas flow-based delivery system. Compressed gas is used to transport sample fine particles through closed channels, eliminating the need for opening portions and thereby preventing accidents such as objects being caught or small items falling while maintaining effective particle delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Quantity of substance

If the collector is directly connected to the sampling chamber with large volume space, then the particle collection capacity is improved, but the aspiration means size and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle collection capacityVSAvoidaspiration means size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collector is positioned below the sampling chamber in a vertical arrangement rather than horizontally adjacent. This dimensional change optimizes space utilization and reduces the overall volume of the aspiration system required, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining particle collection capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution enables a compact, reliable, and efficient inspection device that effectively peels and collects sample fine particles without contact, reducing the risk of accidents and maintenance needs, while maintaining high accuracy and operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

compressed gas is sprayed onto the surface of the inspection object at a wind speed of 20 m/s or more using at least one nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

the air in the sampling chamber is aspirated by an aspiration means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Suction

Implementation Method 3

a separation unit that separates the sample fine particles from the aspirated air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS9261437B2Attached matter inspection device

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 HITACHI LTD

AI summary

Sample fine particles attached to an inspection object are identified simply and with high accuracy, and an increase in operation rate and a decrease in device size are achieved. The inspection object is transported into a sampling chamber defined by a pair of side walls and an upper wall enclosing a part of a transport route of a transport unit. The inspection object is sprayed with compressed gas from an air nozzle, the peeled sample fine particles are aspirated into a collector, and the sample fine particles are separated from the aspirated gas for analysis. The air nozzle is disposed on one of the side walls defining the sampling chamber. The collector is disposed under the other side wall as a container independent from the sampling chamber.