Automatic Sampling Device for Pyramidal Dunes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sampling on pyramidal dunes is inefficient due to the need for climbing and traversing steep sand hills, which increases labor and risks collapse of the dune surfaces, posing safety threats and reducing sampling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automatic sampling device comprising a sampling unit with a collection and discharge module, a traveling unit for navigating to sampling areas, and a power supply unit, which includes a push mechanism to position containers for sample collection and discharge, and a traveling mechanism to move the device across the dune surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sampling is performed on pyramidal dunes, then sampling analysis can be conducted on different regions, but sampling efficiency is reduced and labor consumption increases due to the need to climb and shuttle between the ridge line and various surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic sampling device performs sampling operations autonomously without requiring researchers to manually climb and shuttle between dune regions. The device navigates itself to different sampling locations, collects samples automatically, and returns to the base station, thereby eliminating the labor-intensive manual sampling process while maintaining comprehensive sampling coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical sampling process with an automated robotic system. The automatic sampling device uses robotic navigation, automated sampling mechanisms, and intelligent control systems to substitute human physical labor, thereby improving sampling efficiency and reducing labor consumption in the challenging terrain of pyramidal dunes.
2Reliability
If researchers tread on sand dunes for sampling, then samples can be collected from various surfaces, but the dunes are prone to collapse which increases sampling difficulty and threatens researcher safety
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic sampling device performs all sampling operations autonomously, eliminating the need for researchers to physically tread on the sand dunes. The robotic system navigates to sampling locations, collects samples, and returns to the base station, thereby completely removing human exposure to dune collapse risks while maintaining reliable sample collection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic sampling device acts as an intermediary between the researchers and the hazardous dune environment. It performs the dangerous task of navigating and sampling on unstable sand surfaces, thereby protecting researchers from direct exposure to collapse risks while still enabling comprehensive sampling analysis.
3Productivity
If multiple containers are used for sequential sampling, then sampling efficiency is enhanced, but the complexity of positioning and sealing containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple container handling functions (positioning, sealing, and sample collection) into an integrated automated system. The container handling mechanism performs multiple operations in a coordinated sequence, reducing the overall system complexity despite managing multiple containers for sequential sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions and pre-seals containers before sampling operations begin. Containers are prepared in advance and positioned in the correct sequence, which simplifies the real-time sampling process and reduces the complexity of coordinating multiple containers during active sampling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic sampling device includes a sampling unit, a traveling unit and a power supply unit. The sampling unit includes a push module, which includes a push mechanism and a turning mechanism. A plurality of collection modules are sequentially disposed and can be constrained between the turning mechanism and the push mechanism. The push mechanism is at least configured to push the plurality of collection modules to abut against the turning mechanism. The turning mechanism is at least configured to turn over a designated collection module to a material receiving position, and to enable the receiving port of the designated collection module facing towards a sample outlet of the sampling module.