Flexible Enclosure for Automated Sampling Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated sampling devices introduce contamination and sample loss due to mechanical parts and exposure to the environment, and cause cross-contamination through vibrations during rapid sample probing.
Innovation Solution
An automated sampling device enclosure with a flexible sheet or panel that encloses the device, eliminating mechanical moving parts above samples and minimizing exposure to contaminants, while allowing access and accommodating various sample sizes and vessel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical moving parts are used in autosamplers to access and transfer containers, then productivity and automation are improved, but contamination risk increases due to dust and particulates falling into samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mechanical moving parts from the sampling area by using a stationary sample probe that remains fixed in position. The system extracts the contamination source (mechanical parts) from the vicinity of samples while maintaining automated sampling capability through robotic container manipulation only.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible drape or sheet that can be positioned over the sampling area to create a physical barrier. This flexible film isolates the sample zone from environmental contaminants while allowing the stationary probe to access samples through openings in the drape.
2Ease of operation
If autosamplers are not enclosed, then ease of operation and access are improved, but exposure to particulates and environmental contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible drape that can be easily positioned and removed, providing enclosure when needed and open access when not needed. This flexible barrier protects samples from environmental contaminants while maintaining ease of operation through simple deployment and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure system is dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the flexible drape to be positioned over the sampling area only when samples are present and protection is needed. The system transitions between enclosed and open states based on operational requirements.
3Productivity
If sample probe moves rapidly from one container to another, then productivity is improved, but vibrations cause sample loss and cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the moving sample probe from the system entirely, replacing it with a stationary probe. This eliminates the vibrations generated by rapid probe movement while maintaining high productivity through efficient robotic container handling and positioning.
4Extent of automation
If mechanical parts are positioned directly above containers during movement, then automation capability is improved, but dust and particulates fall into samples causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts mechanical parts from the area directly above sample containers by positioning all moving components (robotic manipulators, container handlers) outside the vertical zone above samples. Only a stationary probe remains in this zone, eliminating the source of mechanical contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible drape is positioned to create a physical barrier between mechanical moving parts and sample containers. This film prevents dust and particulates generated by mechanical operations from falling into samples while allowing automated operations to proceed.
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure for an automated sampling and/or dispensing device for minimizing contamination to samples enclosed therein. Further, the enclosure may minimize user exposure to the enclosed samples allowing for the containment of potentially hazardous chemicals. In an embodiment, the enclosure includes at least one flexible panel which allows a user to efficiently access the device by retracting the at least one flexible panel. In addition, the at least one flexible panel allows the enclosure to be shipped efficiently for the enclosure may be disassembled into smaller pieces and thus, be shipped in a smaller box when compared to enclosures with non-flexible panels/doors. Moreover, the use of the at least one flexible panel allows the enclosure to be shaped to accommodate varying shaped automated sampling and or dispensing devices and assemblies.