Collection Plate Punch Sampling for Low-Concentration Particle Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting and analyzing exhaled breath condensate particles face challenges such as low particle concentration, contamination, and inefficient sampling, leading to weak or undetectable signals in subsequent analyses.
Innovation Solution
A sample preparation device comprising a holding device, punch cutter, and guiding device with asymmetrically located guide bores, which secures and precisely collects particles from collection plates, enhancing particle concentration for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If particles are collected onto collection plates using existing impactor systems, then particle collection is achieved, but the signal from certain types of particles becomes very weak or undetected due to low particle concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the collection plate into multiple smaller sampling areas using a guide device with multiple guide bores. Instead of analyzing the entire collection plate at once, the device segments it into discrete regions, each containing concentrated particles. This segmentation allows for more effective sampling and analysis of particles in each segment, improving detection capability despite low overall concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The punch cutter extracts concentrated particle samples from specific locations on the collection plate by punching through the plate material. This extraction process isolates particle-rich regions from the broader collection area, concentrating the particles of interest into manageable samples that can be analyzed with sufficient signal strength.
2Quantity of substance
If exhaled breath condensate is collected and analyzed, then volatile and non-volatile compounds are identified, but the method suffers from dilution with water resulting in very low concentrations of substances of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts concentrated particle material directly from the collection plate using a punch cutter mechanism. By punching through the collection plate at guided locations, the device isolates and removes particle-containing samples without introducing diluting substances, thereby maintaining high concentration of substances of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device with asymmetrically located guide bores pre-positions the punch cutter at optimal sampling locations on the collection plate before the actual sampling occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that particles are collected from areas with highest concentration, maximizing the amount of substance of interest before analysis.
3Measurement precision
If particles are collected using conventional methods, then sample collection is performed, but the signal from particles becomes very weak or undetected in subsequent analyses
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device segments the collection plate into multiple discrete sampling zones using asymmetrically positioned guide bores. This segmentation allows the punch cutter to efficiently sample from multiple concentrated particle regions in sequence, improving both signal strength from each sample and overall sampling productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device acts as an intermediary between the collection plate and the punch cutter, directing the cutter to precise locations where particles are most concentrated. This intermediary guidance system ensures that sampling occurs at optimal positions, maximizing signal strength while maintaining efficient workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
Described a sample preparation device for preparing a sample containing particles collected onto a collection plate. The sample preparation device includes a holding device for securing the collection plate; a device for punch cutting with a sample collector, and a guiding device that includes two or more guide bores. The guiding device extends a first length along a plane x between first and second transverse sides; The guiding device includes a centerline A extending parallel to plane x dividing the guiding device into equally sized first and second halves. The two or more guide bores are asymmetrically located relative to the centerline A in the first and/or second halves.