Standard Sample Preparation for Gas Flow Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing standard samples for gas flow type analysis systems are not suitable, leading to poor reproducibility and potential damage to test subjects due to unsuitable sample solutions and uneven distribution of samples.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a container with a background powder and a sample solution, where an organic solvent like acetone is used to re-dissolve any sample residue, ensuring uniform mixing and preventing residue on container walls, followed by drying and breaking into particles for evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a sample solution is added dropwise on a Teflon sheet and dried, then a precipitated sample can be obtained for rubbing against a test subject, but the sample distribution becomes uneven and reproducibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample distribution uniformityVSAvoidevaluation reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameters of the sample preparation process by using an organic solvent to re-dissolve the precipitated sample, creating a homogeneous solution that can be uniformly applied to the test subject, thereby improving both sample distribution uniformity and evaluation reproducibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The organic solvent acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates uniform distribution of the sample on the test subject. The solvent temporarily holds the sample in dissolved state, allowing for even spreading, and then evaporates leaving a uniform sample distribution without the need for rubbing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a sample solution is used to attach sample on test subject, then the sample can be applied, but the solvent may damage the test subject or cause safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample application easeVSAvoidtest subject damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects organic solvents with specific properties (volatile, non-damaging) to replace potentially harmful solvents. The solvent parameters are chosen to ensure rapid evaporation without thermal damage and chemical compatibility with the test subject materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses volatile organic solvents that evaporate completely after application, leaving no harmful residue on the test subject. The solvent serves its purpose temporarily during application and then disappears, eliminating long-term harmful effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Quantity of substance

If sample is precipitated and rubbed against test subject, then sample can be attached, but the attachment uniformity deteriorates and sample loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample attachment amountVSAvoidattachment uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The organic solvent serves as a mediator that enables uniform sample attachment. The dissolved sample in solvent can be evenly distributed across the test subject surface, and as the solvent evaporates, the sample remains uniformly attached without rubbing-induced non-uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rubbing action with a chemical solution application method. Instead of mechanically rubbing precipitated sample onto the test subject, the sample is applied as a solution that naturally distributes uniformly and then dries, eliminating the non-uniformity caused by mechanical rubbing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

This approach enhances the uniformity and reproducibility of standard samples, improving the accuracy and reliability of gas flow type analysis systems by ensuring all sample is evenly distributed with the background, thus enhancing the evaluation process.

Implementation Method 1

an organic solvent like acetone is used to re-dissolve any sample residue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

followed by drying and breaking into particles for evaluation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3327421B1Method for preparing standard sample for gas flow type analysis system
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 HITACHI LTD
  • EP3327421B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3327421B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3327421B1 patent drawingFigure 9

AI summary

An object of the invention is to improve uniformity of a standard sample used for evaluating a gas flow type analysis system. The invention is characterized by including: weighing a background 1 into a container J1; adding a sample solution 2 to the background 1; drying the sample solution 2; adding a solvent 4 that can dissolve the sample into the container J1; and drying the solvent added to the container J1. The invention is also characterized in that the solvent 4 is an organic solvent, in particular, acetone.