Automated Sample Collector for Remote Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring atmospheric and environmental conditions for harmful chemical or biological agents require manual intervention, posing risks to personnel and being time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An automated device for remote environmental and atmospheric testing, which includes a sampling medium, a processing stage for sample preparation and analysis, and a communication interface for wireless transmission of results, enabling detection and analysis of biological and chemical agents without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sample collection and analysis methods are used, then personnel can directly handle samples, but personnel are exposed to dangerous conditions and the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is designed to autonomously deploy, collect samples, and transmit data without requiring personnel to enter dangerous areas. The device self-manages the entire sampling operation including deployment via balloon or drone, sample collection on the sampling medium, and automatic data transmission via GPS and communication modules, thereby eliminating personnel exposure to hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated sampling device as an intermediary between personnel and the dangerous environment. This intermediary collects samples and transmits data remotely, allowing personnel to monitor conditions without direct exposure to harmful agents, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining safety and achieving automation.
2Productivity
If manual sample collection and analysis methods are used, then samples can be collected, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive with delayed reporting
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device enables continuous operation by automatically deploying, collecting samples, storing them on the sampling medium, and transmitting data without interruption. The device can continuously sample environmental conditions and immediately transmit GPS-coordinated data, eliminating the time losses associated with manual deployment, retrieval, and data recording operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems including motor-driven deployment mechanisms, automatic sample collection, GPS-based location tracking, and wireless communication modules. This substitution eliminates labor-intensive manual handling and enables rapid, continuous sampling with immediate digital reporting, significantly improving productivity and reducing time loss.
3Extent of automation
If automated device is deployed for remote sampling, then personnel safety is improved and automation is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: sampling medium deployment and retraction, sample collection, GPS location tracking, wireless data transmission, and power management. By combining these diverse functions into one multi-functional device, the patent achieves high automation while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sampling mechanism, detection system, communication module, and power system into an integrated automated device. The sampling medium, motor assembly, GPS receiver, and transmitter are combined in a single deployable unit that operates autonomously, reducing the number of separate systems personnel must manage while maintaining high automation levels.
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 device allows for rapid, automated detection and analysis of biological and chemical agents, reducing personnel risk and increasing efficiency by providing immediate reporting of results.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor that is coupled to and drives a centrifugal impeller to retract a sample medium that collects samples or a pump to drive fluid flow, the sample medium dissolved or washed by mechanical agitation of the impeller or fluid flow to form a wash fluid containing the collected samples. The wash fluid is introduced into analysis in a housing by running the impeller at a high speed to create a pressure gradient
Data Source
AI summary
Devices are provided for remote environmental and atmospheric testing that can be deployed without personnel entering a potentially dangerous area. The device can detect and automatically analyze biological and chemical agents and then automatically report if any of these agents are present without the intervention of public safety or military personnel. During sample collection and analysis, the device deploys a sample-collecting pad, tape, or filter which is then retracted with captured samples (liquid or solid) obtained from either surfaces or as aerosols from the air. The captured samples may be retracted into an enclosed vessel which will then extract the sample off of the pad, tape, or filter into a liquid carrier, and this liquid carrier is delivered to a downstream process for further analysis. The steps between sample collection and analysis are completely automated and include solvent washes, extractions, centrifugations, or other steps that are not normally readily amenable to totally-hands-off automation.