Sample Encapsulation System with Movable Chamber and Remote Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample encapsulation systems face challenges with premature cooling of the molding compound, leading to sample deformation and handling difficulties, and require excessive user strength to operate due to heavy, tightly fitting caps and lack of efficient cooling control.
Innovation Solution
A sample encapsulation system with a movable chamber and cap assembly featuring tapered sections for easy engagement and disengagement, along with a remotely sensed temperature-controlled cooling system that terminates water flow based on predetermined time lag calculations to ensure proper cooling and reduce operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cooling system is operated for a set period of time to prevent premature removal, then the sample is adequately cooled, but cooling liquid is wasted due to excessive cooling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback control by using a temperature sensor to continuously monitor the sample temperature and automatically adjusting the cooling system operation. The controller receives temperature feedback and terminates cooling when the predetermined temperature is reached, eliminating the need for fixed-time cooling operations and preventing excessive cooling liquid usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/timed cooling control system with a sensor-based automated control system. Instead of relying on predetermined time settings or manual monitoring, the system uses temperature sensors and electronic controllers to automatically manage the cooling process, improving both efficiency and resource utilization.
2Stress or pressure
If the cap fits tightly to maintain pressure boundary, then pressure is maintained, but the cap is difficult to insert and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing alignment features (alignment pins and alignment holes) that guide the cap into proper position before the tight-fitting portion engages. This preliminary alignment makes insertion easier and ensures that the plug is correctly positioned to maintain the pressure boundary without requiring excessive force.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cap is made heavy and fixed to maintain stability, then the cap remains attached to the system, but considerable user strength is required to manipulate it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the cap into distinct functional portions: a mounting portion that remains fixed to the system and a chamber cap portion that can be easily removed. The alignment pin mechanism provides stable attachment when needed while allowing easy separation when the chamber needs to be accessed, eliminating the need for heavy, permanently fixed caps.
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 effectively prevents sample deformation by precise cooling control and reduces operator exertion through efficient cap handling and automated cooling, ensuring sample integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fluid is circulated around the mold to cool the encapsulated sample
Implementation Method 2
heating coils are actuated to heat the chamber with the material and sample
Implementation Method 3
A hydraulic ram is moved into the chamber to exert a force on the sample and material
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample encapsulation system (10) includes a base(12), a chamber (16) having an inlet (34) and a chamber housing (14) in which the chamber is housed. The chamber (16) is fixedly mounted at least in part within the housing (14) and the housing is movably mounted to the base (12). The system includes a cap (70), a first ram (74) operably mounted to the cap (70) for engaging the chamber inlet (34) and a second ram (92) positioned in the chamber (16) opposite the inlet (3). The second ram (92) is movable toward and away from the first ram (74). The chamber (16) and housing (14) are movable toward the cap (70) for engaging the first ram (74) with the chamber inlet (34) during an encapsulation cycle and away from the cap (70), disengaging the first ram (74) from the chamber inlet (34) following an encapsulation cycle. The system includes heating and cooling assemblies and a temperature sensor located remotely from the chamber interior to automatically isolate cooling water to the system.