Disposable Sampling Probe for Contamination-Free Particle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting explosives, narcotics, and gunshot residues face challenges such as high costs, sensitivity to contamination, and inefficiency in sample collection, particularly with vapor detection devices, and the unreliability of chemical test kits due to contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A particles collecting and detecting system that includes a vacuum generating unit, a disposable sampling probe with an adhesive coating, and a chemical test kit, designed for efficient particle collection and contamination-free detection, where the sampling probe is impermeable to air flow and the system is configured for easy replacement to prevent cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vapor detection devices are used for detecting explosives and narcotics, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sampling probes and single-use collection units that are discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex vapor detection equipment while maintaining reliable detection capability through affordable, replaceable components that prevent cross-contamination between uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sampling and collection function into a separate, disposable unit that can be easily replaced. This separates the expensive detection instrument from the contamination-prone sampling component, allowing the main device to remain simple and affordable while achieving high sensitivity through proper sample collection.
2Measurement precision
If vapor detection devices operate with high sensitivity, then detection capability is improved, but false positive alarms increase due to self contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection process into separate disposable sampling units that are discarded after single use. This prevents cross-contamination between different sampling events, eliminating the source of false positives while maintaining high detection sensitivity through dedicated, uncontaminated sample collection for each detection event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a discard-after-single-use approach for sampling probes and collection units. By discarding potentially contaminated components after each use, the system prevents self-contamination that would otherwise cause false positive alarms, while recovering and reusing only the clean, non-contaminated main detection instrument.
3Productivity
If vacuum-based collection methods are used for particle sampling, then sample collection efficiency is improved, but surface adhesion forces prevent effective particle removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using adhesive tape or coated surfaces on the sampling probe to pre-capture particles before vacuum collection. This preliminary adhesion overcomes the strong surface adhesion forces of explosives and narcotics, allowing subsequent vacuum extraction to efficiently collect the already-loosened particles without requiring excessive suction force.
4Reliability
If disposable sampling units are used for each screening event, then cross-contamination is prevented, but device complexity and replacement procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sampling probe, collection surface, and sealing mechanisms into a single integrated disposable unit. This unified design simplifies replacement procedures as the entire assembly can be removed and replaced as one component, reducing the complexity of multiple separate replacement steps while maintaining effective cross-contamination prevention through complete unit disposal.
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 system provides a cost-effective, reliable, and efficient method for collecting and detecting particles without evaporation, significantly reducing false positives and improving comfort and speed in screening processes.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum generating unit having an air intake opening
Implementation Method 2
air flow forced by the vacuum generator from the air intake orifice to the air intake opening
Implementation Method 3
a disposable sampling probe having a sampling member adapted to be removably inserted into a position within the duct... with adhesive coating
Implementation Method 4
adapted for exposing the sampling member to chemical reagents and for visualizing a color change in response to a reaction between the chemical reagents and a particles of interest
Data Source
AI summary
Particle collecting unit for the detection of particles in the particle level of substance without evaporating the collected particles is disclosed. The particle collecting unit comprises a body, a duct extending through the body and connecting between a rear opening of the body and an air intake orifice of the body, an aperture or slit in a mid-portion of the body adapted for receiving a removable sampling member into a position within the duct, wherein the particles collecting unit is configured to be removably coupled to a vacuum generator of a vacuum cleaner model available in the market, with said rear opening of the body coupled to an air intake opening of the vacuum generator. Pressure release openings are provided in walls of the duct for reducing the load on a motor of the vacuum cleaner.