Liquid Sample Collection Device With Meandering Air Trap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sample collection devices are imprecise, prone to contamination, and require moving parts that are difficult to manufacture and may stick to the sample, making it challenging to target and isolate specific portions of a liquid stream effectively.
Innovation Solution
A liquid sample collection device with a meandering channel and air vent port that forms an air lock when the liquid level rises, preventing further liquid flow without using moving parts, and an optional second air trap section for stability, allowing for precise collection and isolation of a specific portion of the liquid stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If moving parts are used to close the air vent port and isolate the liquid stream, then the ability to target and isolate specific portions of the liquid stream is improved, but the device complexity increases and the risk of sample contamination and sticking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the air vent port from the liquid flow path, extracting it as a separate functional element. The air vent port is positioned such that liquid must rise to a specific level to close it, automatically isolating the targeted liquid portion without requiring moving parts in the flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the liquid itself to close the air vent port and trigger the isolation mechanism. As liquid rises in the collection chamber, it automatically closes the air vent port and engages the floating element, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems.
2Measurement precision
If moving parts are used to control liquid flow and isolate samples, then the ability to target specific liquid stream portions is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The collection chamber is divided into distinct functional zones: a lower collection zone for the targeted liquid sample and an upper zone with the air vent port and floating element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple molding techniques without complex assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a single-use, disposable collection chamber that can be mass-produced through injection molding. The integrated design with no moving parts makes it ideal for economical manufacturing and eliminates the need for cleaning, sterilization, or maintenance between uses.
3Reliability
If moving parts are used to prevent liquid flow after sample collection, then the isolation of the targeted liquid portion is improved, but the risk of sample contamination and sticking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent port serves as an intermediary element between the collection chamber and the atmosphere. It allows air to escape during liquid influx but closes automatically when liquid reaches a certain level, preventing further liquid entry without requiring moving parts that could contaminate or stick to the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical moving parts with a passive air lock mechanism. The air vent port closure and floating element operation rely on buoyancy and pressure differential rather than mechanical actuation, eliminating sources of sample contamination and sticking while maintaining reliable isolation.
4Device complexity
If a simple collection chamber is used without air venting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to target and isolate specific liquid stream portions deteriorates due to air trapping
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent port is positioned vertically above the liquid entry point, utilizing the vertical dimension to allow air escape during liquid filling. This spatial arrangement enables air venting functionality without adding horizontal complexity to the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the air vent port is strategically located at a height that corresponds to the desired sample volume. As liquid rises to this predetermined level, the air vent port closes, automatically isolating the correct portion of the liquid stream without requiring additional control mechanisms.
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
The device achieves precise targeting and isolation of a specific liquid stream portion with reduced complexity and manufacturing costs, maintaining the air lock even when inverted, and allows for convenient sample extraction and potential mixing with additives without contamination.
Implementation Method 1
air is displaced along the liquid supply conduit until it is trapped by the air trap section thereby preventing further liquid flow through the conduit
Implementation Method 2
liquid supplied to the collection chamber through the liquid supply conduit displaces air through the air vent port
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3E
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A liquid sample collection device is provided. The liquid sample collection device comprises a housing including a liquid collection chamber, and a liquid supply conduit extending from an inlet port and in use generally downwardly to the collection chamber, wherein the collection chamber includes an air vent port located such that in use liquid supplied to the collection chamber through the liquid supply conduit displaces air through the air vent port, and wherein the liquid supply conduit follows a meandering path including at least one air trap section defined at the junction between portions of the conduit extending with upward and downward components respectively, whereby in use once the air vent port is closed, air is displaced along the liquid supply conduit until it is trapped by the air trap section thereby preventing further liquid flow through the conduit.