Induction Drive Sample Positioning in Sealed Quarantine Chambers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for analyzing samples under quarantine conditions, such as those dangerous to humans, face challenges in positioning samples optimally for analysis without compromising the enclosure's tightness and in allowing simultaneous analysis by multiple measuring devices like X-ray, Infra-Red, or Raman spectrometers.

Innovation Solution

A device with an induction drive system outside the enclosure moves a rotatably and translationally mounted support element to align samples with viewing windows, ensuring optimal positioning and maintaining enclosure tightness through multiple enclosures with aligned windows and pressure/temperature monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a mechanical drive device is placed inside the enclosure to move the support element, then the positioning precision is improved, but the tightness and sealing of the enclosure deteriorates due to the need for mechanical penetrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidenclosure tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical drive device inside the enclosure with an induction drive device located outside the enclosure. The support element is equipped with a magnetic shaft that responds to electromagnetic fields generated by the induction drive device, enabling movement without mechanical penetrations and thus maintaining enclosure tightness while achieving precise positioning.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic shaft as an intermediary between the external induction drive device and the support element. This magnetic shaft allows the transmission of motion from outside the enclosure to the support element inside, eliminating the need for direct mechanical connections that would compromise the enclosure's sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measuring devices are used to analyze the sample, then the analysis capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple enclosures and alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidenclosure structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the enclosure with multiple viewing windows that can accommodate various types of measuring devices (X-ray, Infra-Red, Raman spectrometers). The support element can be positioned to present the sample to different windows, allowing a single enclosure to serve multiple analysis functions without requiring separate enclosures for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges multiple viewing windows and the support element in three-dimensional space, allowing samples to be positioned at optimal angles and locations for different types of analysis. This spatial arrangement enables multiple measuring devices to access the same sample from different directions and perspectives without requiring multiple enclosures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 precise and simultaneous analysis of samples by multiple devices without compromising the enclosure's sealing, ensuring accurate and safe analysis of hazardous samples under stringent quarantine conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an induction drive device arranged outside said enclosure for moving said support element inside said enclosure in the closed state thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2411791B1Confinement and analysis device
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 CENT NAT DETUD SPATIALES (CNES)
  • EP2411791B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2411791B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2411791B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a confinement and analysis device for a plurality of samples arranged in at least one tube, including: at least one chamber comprising a sealed closing means; a stand element (8) for said tube for arranging the latter in said chamber; and at least one observation window provided in one wall of said chamber, said device including an induction drive device arranged outside said enclosure for moving said stand element (8) inside said chamber when the latter is in the closed state such that any of the samples from said plurality of samples can be brought in front of the observation window.