Flow Regulation Device for Volatile Sampling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in aircraft flight crews are prone to errors due to reliance on manual calibration and timing of vacuum pumps, which assume uniform adsorbent material composition and can cause pressure swings affecting sensor and pump performance.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulation device with a real-time flow meter and three-way valve, controlled by a circuit board, that automatically calculates and achieves a pre-set gas volume without user input, ensuring accurate sampling independent of adsorbent variability and personnel errors, and prevents flow interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual calibration and timing of vacuum pump is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to errors in flow rate calibration and timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration and timing operations with an automated electronic system. A flow meter electronically measures gas flow rate through the adsorbent tube, and a controller automatically calculates and determines the precise sampling time based on preset volume requirements, eliminating manual errors while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and self-timing functions. The flow meter continuously monitors flow rate, and the controller automatically calculates the required sampling time based on real-time flow data and preset volume targets, eliminating the need for external manual calibration and timing operations.
2Ease of operation
If flow rate calibration assumes uniform composition of sampling media, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to non-uniform adsorbent material composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback through the flow meter that monitors actual gas flow rate through the adsorbent tube in real-time. The controller uses this feedback data to calculate precise sampling duration, compensating for variations in adsorbent material composition and ensuring accurate volumetric sampling regardless of material uniformity.
3Measurement precision
If dosing controller with vacuum pump is used, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to pressure swings causing faults in sensor and pump performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow meter as an intermediary measurement device between the vacuum pump and the sampling system. The flow meter continuously monitors flow rate and provides data to the controller, which adjusts sampling time accordingly, enabling precise measurement without requiring the vacuum pump to undergo abrupt stop-start cycles that cause pressure swings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the sampling process based on real-time flow meter readings. The controller continuously monitors flow rate and calculates the precise duration needed to achieve the target volume, allowing the vacuum pump to operate smoothly without abrupt interruptions, thereby maintaining both precision and reliability.
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 provides accurate and reliable sampling of specific gas volumes, reducing errors and pressure-related faults, ensuring consistent sampling across different adsorbent materials and environments.
Implementation Method 1
A real time flow meter is located in the housing. The flow meter is in fluid communication with the inlet.
Implementation Method 2
The outlet is in fluid communication with the gas inlet or a secondary inlet, and is usable for establishing fluid communication with a vacuum source.
Implementation Method 3
The flow regulation device further comprises a three-way valve having three branches comprising: a first branch in fluid communication with the gas inlet; the second branch in fluid communication with the outlet; and a third branch for drawing air through a secondary inlet from the ambient surroundings.
Implementation Method 4
flow regulation device for volatile and semi-volatile sampling onto adsorbent material contained in a tube
Data Source
AI summary
A flow regulation device for volatile and semi-volatile sampling onto adsorbent media is provided. The flow regulation device includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a secondary inlet that is open to the ambient, a real time flow meter, a controller in electronic communication with the flow meter, and a three-way valve. Gas is drawn through the adsorbent media, into the inlet, and then to the outlet by a vacuum source joined to the outlet. The controller is configured to: (1) actuate the three-way valve to put the vacuum source in-line with the inlet; (2) continuously monitor the flow of gas through the inlet and calculate the time necessary to sample a pre-set volume of gas; and (3) after the pre-set volume of gas passes through the inlet, actuate the three-way valve to put the vacuum source in-line with the secondary inlet.