Extendable Rod Sampling Cup with LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collection devices are inadequate for extended reach sampling in various fields such as water purification and oil extraction, particularly in low light environments and when samples need to be collected from sources at different levels.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection device comprising a grasped rod with a selectively couplable cylindrical cup and a power module for illumination, featuring a light emitting diode bulb and adjustable positioning for collecting samples from streams at various levels, with a mesh bottom for filtering particulates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If existing collection devices are used for extended reach sampling, then sampling capability is limited, but the device cannot effectively collect samples from distant or difficult-to-reach sources
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is divided into separate modular components: a handle assembly, an extendable rod with jointed sections, and a collection container. This segmentation allows the rod to be extended to various lengths and adjusted to different configurations, enabling users to reach distant or difficult-to-access sampling locations while maintaining adaptability for different sampling scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod incorporates adjustable and flexible elements, including extendable sections and articulated joints, that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the device. This enables the device to adapt its reach and orientation based on the specific sampling requirements, resolving the contradiction between extended reach and sampling versatility.
2Illumination intensity
If sampling is performed in low light environments, then visibility is reduced, but existing devices lack illumination capability
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is merged with the collection device by integrating a light source and power supply into the handle assembly. This combination provides necessary illumination for low-light sampling environments while maintaining a unified, manageable device structure that does not significantly increase overall complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If samples are collected from streams at various levels, then positioning flexibility is needed, but fixed-position devices cannot accommodate different heights
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an extendable rod with adjustable length and articulated joints that can be reconfigured by the user. This dynamic structure allows easy adjustment of the collection container's position and orientation to match various stream levels, maintaining user control while achieving the needed positioning flexibility.
4Reliability
If particulates need to be filtered from samples, then filtration capability is required, but simple collection devices lack filtering function
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container incorporates a mesh bottom made of porous or perforated material that allows liquid to pass through while retaining solid particulates. This simple integration of porous material provides reliable filtration capability without significantly increasing device complexity, as the mesh structure serves dual purposes of containment and filtering.
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
Enables efficient and versatile sampling in diverse environments, including low light conditions, by providing a transparent cup with volume indicators and adjustable positioning, ensuring reliable sample collection and filtration.
Implementation Method 1
A bulb 30 that is coupled to the rod 12 proximate to the first end 16 is operationally coupled to the power module 28 so that the power module 28 is positioned to selectively power the bulb 30. The bulb 30 is configured to illuminate an area proximate to the cup 14
Implementation Method 2
with a mesh bottom for filtering particulates
Data Source
AI summary
A sample collection device for extended reach sampling includes a rod and a cup, which is selectively couplable to a first end of the rod. The rod is configured to be grasped, proximate to a second end, in a hand of a user, positioning the user to position the cup in a source stream to collect a sample.