Gas-Restrictor Sample Dispersing Device for Powder Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sample dispersing devices struggle to achieve the higher dispersibility standards required by modern image analysis techniques, particularly in preparing measurement samples for microscopes, due to the inability to uniformly disperse clumped particle groups and the risk of contamination from mechanical parts.

Innovation Solution

The device employs a mechanism with nozzles that apply shearing forces to clumped particle groups, using gas compression and expansion to disperse particles, and incorporates a partition structure with an elastic partition wall body to prevent contamination, ensuring uniform dispersion and reducing maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional introducing mechanism with valve and single jet outlet is used, then device structure is simple, but particle dispersibility is insufficient for modern image analysis standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle dispersibilityVSAvoidintroducing mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The introducing mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a hopper for sample storage, a jet outlet for particle ejection, multiple restrictors for sequential flow control, and a valve for vacuum sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, achieving high dispersibility through the coordinated action of multiple simple elements rather than a single complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Gas is introduced as an intermediary medium to carry powder particles from the hopper through the jet outlet and restrictors into the dispersal chamber. The gas flow mediates the transport and dispersion process, enabling particles to be uniformly distributed without direct mechanical contact between components, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving high dispersibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical valve and introducing tube are used, then device structure is simple, but contamination risk increases requiring frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination resistanceVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The valve mechanism is designed to open and close based on pressure differential rather than mechanical actuation. When the container reaches vacuum state, the pressure difference automatically opens the valve to allow gas and particles in; when vacuum is restored, the valve closes automatically. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical actuators, reducing contamination risk and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The introducing mechanism is designed to be self-cleaning through the vacuum cycle. The vacuum pump automatically removes contaminants and residual particles from the introducing tube and restrictors during each operation cycle. The system uses its own vacuum function to maintain cleanliness without requiring separate cleaning mechanisms or frequent manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3677896B1Sample dispersing device
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 HORIBA LTD
  • EP3677896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3677896B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3677896B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to provide a sample dispersing device that can disperse a powder sample uniformly with a higher level of dispersion than a conventional sample dispersing device, the sample dispersing device comprises a container 1 inside of which a dispersal chamber 11 where a power sample (S) is dispersed is formed, and an introducing mechanism (J) that introduces a gas containing the power sample (S) from the outside of the container 1 into the dispersal chamber 11 based on a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the container 1, and is characterized by that the introducing mechanism (J) comprises the introduction pipe 2 where the gas containing the powder sample (S) flows, and several restrictors arranged in the introduction pipe 2.