Conveyor Trace Sampling System for Automated Vapor Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trace detection systems require manual sampling with swabs, making the process laborious and prone to delays, and are not capable of continuous operation without manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A system integrated with a conveyor-based imaging scanner that uses localized air heating and evaporation to collect vapors from items and their surroundings, eliminating the need for manual sampling and enabling continuous operation by routing these vapors directly to mass or mobility spectrometry detectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual sampling with swabs is used, then detection can be performed, but the process becomes laborious and prone to delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling operationVSAvoiddetection delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service sampling where the conveyor belt system automatically collects and transports vapor samples from items through integrated sampling ports, eliminating the need for manual swabbing operations by operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical swabbing action with an automated vapor extraction system that uses airflow dynamics and pressure differentials to collect samples automatically as items pass through the conveyor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual sampling is used, then detection can occur, but continuous operation is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous detection capabilityVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor-based sampling system operates continuously as items move along the belt, with sampling ports constantly exposed to item surfaces and surrounding air, enabling uninterrupted sample collection without manual intervention between detections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary sampling actions automatically as items pass through the conveyor, preparing samples for detection before they reach the analysis stage, thereby enabling continuous operational flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If localized heating and evaporation is used, then vapor collection is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor sample quantityVSAvoidheating energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating elements are positioned to provide localized heating only at specific sampling zones where items contact the conveyor or pass near sampling ports, rather than heating the entire conveyor system or surrounding area uniformly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes controlled evaporation (liquid to vapor phase transition) through localized heating to generate sufficient vapor samples for detection, optimizing the phase change process to occur only where and when needed for sampling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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

This solution allows for automatic and continuous trace detection without manual intervention, reducing labor and delay times, and is compatible with existing detectors, enabling rapid and efficient sampling of both volatile and non-volatile substances.

Implementation Method 1

employ a sophisticated heater and evaporator system which is capable of uniformly heating and causing surface evaporation from the screened item

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

causing surface evaporation from the screened item, as well as the surrounding air to create sample vapors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11562894B1Enhanced trace sampling system

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 KAGAN AVI

AI summary

A new form of trace sampling system which is configured to be employed in-line with a conventional conveyor-based imaging scanner, removing the need for a manual sampling substrate to be used with a mass spectrometry detection or mobility spectra detection system. The system is designed to enable rapid sampling without the need for the use of an external sampling medium such as a swab. Manifolds present within a chamber of the conveyor present evaporators and air heaters oriented towards objects to be sampled. The evaporators, via radiation, convey the sample vapor via a vacuum to a detector to analyze the vapor for selected variables.