Continuous Fluid Sampling Device with Air Vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid sampling and analysis devices are not suitable for continuous operation and fail to effectively avoid air contamination during sample collection, processing, and analysis, limiting their effectiveness for time-correlated data collection and sample processing.
Innovation Solution
A continuous fluid sampling device with a horizontally arranged inlet, a vertically arranged longitudinal sampling chamber, an air vent, and an excess sample outlet, configured to allow continuous fluid flow, precise sample volume definition, and air escape, ensuring continuous sampling and analysis while preventing air interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid sampling devices are used for continuous operation, then sample processing can be performed, but air contamination occurs during sample collection and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent (3) extracts air from the sampling chamber (5) by providing a dedicated escape path that separates air removal from sample processing. This extraction principle allows continuous sample flow while preventing air contamination by actively removing air through the venting mechanism positioned at the top opening (6).
Solution Approach 2:
The air vent (3) acts as an intermediary element between the sampling chamber (5) and the external environment. It mediates the interaction between sample fluid and air by providing a controlled interface where air can escape without contaminating the sample, thus enabling continuous operation without air interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air venting is implemented in sampling devices, then air contamination is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top opening (6) of the sampling chamber (5) serves multiple functions: it allows air to escape through the air vent (3), permits optional sample retrieval, and maintains the structural integrity of the chamber. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by combining air venting with existing structural elements rather than adding separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The air vent (3) is merged with the top opening (6) structure of the sampling chamber (5), combining the air escape function with the existing chamber architecture. This integration approach minimizes additional structural complexity while effectively addressing air contamination through the combined vent-opening system.
3Measurement precision
If sample volume is reduced for time-correlated data collection, then analysis precision improves, but air interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent (3) extracts air from the sampling chamber (5) at the top opening (6), creating a dedicated air removal path that operates independently of sample volume. This extraction mechanism ensures that even small sample volumes required for time-correlated analysis are protected from air interference by actively removing air through the venting system.
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 continuous, time-correlated fluid sampling and analysis with precise control over sample volume and air management, ensuring accurate and uninterrupted processing of fluid samples, suitable for applications like flow cytometry and microfluidic systems.
Implementation Method 1
an air vent (3) that inclines laterally from the bottom of the sampling chamber (5) to about, above or below the level of the sample inlet (2)
Implementation Method 2
a vertically arranged longitudinal sampling chamber (5) with a top opening (6) that is configured for optional sample retrieval and air release
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a continuous fluid sampling device (1), comprising a horizontally arranged fluid sample inlet (2), a vertically arranged longitudinal sampling chamber (5), an air vent (3) and an excess sample outlet (4), all of which are configured relative to each other to allow for the continuous processing, sampling and/or analyzing the fluid sample. The invention also relates to corresponding systems, methods and uses of said device.