Compact Air Sampling Device with Low Noise Centrifugal Blower
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air sampling devices are large and noisy, making them cumbersome and disruptive in hospital environments, where quiet operation is crucial for patient rest and safety.
Innovation Solution
A compact air sampling device with air sampling cassettes and a centrifugal blower that operates at low noise levels, producing less than 40 dBA, is designed with sound insulation and a fan speed of 3000 to 5000 rpm, allowing for effective air contaminant collection without disturbing patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional air sampling equipment is used, then air sampling function is achieved, but noise level is high and disrupts patient rest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the fan (speed, diameter, blade design) and the sampling system (cassette diameter, flow rate) to achieve a new operating point that produces adequate sampling while generating less than 40 dBA noise level, resolving the contradiction between sampling effectiveness and noise generation
2Volume of moving object
If conventional air sampling equipment is used, then air sampling function is achieved, but device size is large and cumbersome for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into compact modular components including a small housing, fan assembly, and removable sampling cassettes, allowing the overall device volume to be reduced while maintaining sampling capability through efficient component arrangement and standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling cassettes are designed to be nested within or attachable to the compact housing, with the cassette internal diameter (2.5-65 mm) optimized to fit within the reduced device footprint while still providing adequate sampling surface area
3Productivity
If fan speed is increased to improve air flow rate, then sampling efficiency improves, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the fan parameters (diameter, blade angle, rotational speed) and the overall system resistance (cassette design, passageway geometry) to achieve the required air flow rate (0.5-2.0 L/min) at the lowest possible noise level, maintaining the contradiction resolution of <40 dBA while ensuring adequate sampling throughput
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 provides effective air sampling with noise levels significantly reduced, allowing for unobtrusive operation in healthcare facilities, minimizing disruption to patients while maintaining efficient air contaminant collection.
Implementation Method 1
a fan disposed within the casing interior passageway for drawing air through the air sampling cassettes and the interior passageway at an air flow rate
Implementation Method 2
one or more air sampling cassettes, with each cassette having a sampling cassette internal diameter and a sample collection media disposed within the cassette internal diameter
Implementation Method 3
biological air contaminants are collected on the sample collection media
Data Source
AI summary
An air sampling device is disclosed which includes one or more air sampling cassettes, with each cassette having a cassette internal diameter and a sample collection media disposed within the cassette internal diameter. The sum of the interior diameters of the air sampling cassettes is from about 2.5 mm to about 65 mm. The device also includes a sampling device casing having one or more air inlet orifices, an air outlet orifice, and an interior passageway in flow communication with both air inlet orifices and the air outlet orifice. One air sampling cassette is attached to each air inlet orifice. The device also includes a fan for drawing air through the air sampling cassettes and the interior passageway at an air flow rate. The device produces a noise level of less than 40 dBA, measured at a distance of 1 foot from the air outlet orifice, when the air flow rate is from about 0.5 to about 2.0 liters per minute. A method for air sampling is also disclosed.