Conical Outlet Bore for Sample Extraction Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sampling valves contaminate liquid samples due to dead space where germs can accumulate and residual drops in the outlet channel, leading to recontamination of subsequent samples.

Innovation Solution

A sampling valve with a conically widening outlet bore that ensures complete drainage, eliminating residual drops by unstable water adhesion and cohesion due to continuous diameter increase, and enhanced by nano-coating, allowing for easy rinsing and sterilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional sampling valve with a cylindrical outlet bore is used, then the valve structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but residual drops remain on the wall of the outlet channel causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample purityVSAvoidoutlet bore design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet bore is designed with a conical shape instead of a cylindrical one, creating a curved surface that facilitates complete drainage. The conical geometry with continuously increasing diameter from the valve body interior toward the free end prevents liquid adhesion and ensures the outlet runs empty, eliminating the contamination source while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the outlet bore diameter is increased to prevent drop adhesion, then complete drainage is achieved, but the valve body volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete drainageVSAvoidvalve body volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The conical outlet bore design achieves complete drainage without increasing overall valve volume by utilizing geometric curvature. The continuously increasing diameter toward the free end creates an unstable adhesion balance that promotes complete drainage, while the cone shape efficiently uses space compared to a cylindrical design of equivalent drainage performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet bore transitions from a two-dimensional cylindrical surface to a three-dimensional conical surface with varying diameter. This dimensional change in the bore geometry allows the liquid to be guided along a slope toward the free end, achieving complete drainage through gravitational and surface tension effects without requiring excessive volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a conical outlet bore is used to eliminate residual drops, then sample contamination is prevented, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidconical bore geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conical outlet bore can be manufactured using standard machining processes such as drilling and tapering, or by using pre-formed conical components. The continuous conical shape is more easily manufactured than complex curved surfaces, as it represents a simple linear taper that can be achieved with conventional tooling and processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 valve design prevents contamination by ensuring the outlet bore remains empty during and after sampling, facilitating easy cleaning and sterilization, reducing the risk of recontamination and maintaining sample integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the balance between the adhesion to the wall and the cohesion of the water and its mass becomes so unstable due to the constant increase in diameter that the outlet bore runs empty

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the balance between the adhesion to the wall and the cohesion of the water and its mass becomes so unstable due to the constant increase in diameter that the outlet bore runs empty

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCohesion: Cohesion

Implementation Method 3

the lower edge of the outlet bore extending downwards towards the free end... so that the sample taken flows through the outlet hole and the remaining drops roll off the wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

This effect achieved by the special design can be enhanced by surface measures such as nano-coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface coating: Coatings

Data Source

PatentEP2268947B1Sample extraction valve
Publication Date: 2013.10.16 VOLKER MANFRED
  • EP2268947B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2268947B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2268947B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a sample extraction valve comprising a valve body that is arranged in the value housing and can be displaced between a closed position and an open position of the sample extraction valve, and is characterised in that the valve body has an outlet for the sample that is to be extracted, said outlet widening in a funnel-shaped manner towards the free end of the valve body, and the lower edge of said outlet is inclined in the downward direction towards the free end. After a sample has been extracted, no drop remains in the outlet, thus eliminating all sources of contamination of the extracted sample that were common until now.