Liquid Sampler with Displaceable Element for Dilution-Free Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for capturing a predefined portion of a liquid flow, such as urine samples, often result in dilution due to the use of valves that can mix the initial sample with subsequent liquid portions, and are cumbersome for users, especially females, requiring interruption of the urine stream and leading to messy and inaccurate sampling.
Innovation Solution
A device employing a displaceable element with a specific diameter to allow the initial liquid portion to flow unhindered into a reservoir, which is then blocked mechanically to prevent mixing with subsequent portions, using a lightweight lifting mechanism like air chambers or low-density materials to facilitate automatic collection and reduce spillage, and featuring a tubular inlet and outlet to minimize fluid loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a valve is used to capture the first portion of liquid flow, then the liquid can be directed into a sample chamber, but the sample may become diluted by subsequent liquid portions due to valve operation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the first portion of liquid from the main flow using a side channel that bypasses the valve mechanism entirely. The displaceable element opens a direct pathway from the inlet to the reservoir, separating the sampling function from the flow control function, thereby eliminating dilution caused by valve operation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid flow path is segmented into two distinct channels: one for capturing the first portion (through the displaceable element and side channel) and another for the remainder of the flow (through the valve to waste). This segmentation ensures that the sampled portion is isolated from subsequent liquid portions that might cause dilution.
2Extent of automation
If a valve mechanism is used to control liquid flow, then sampling can be automated, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable element is designed to be automatically displaced by the liquid flow itself. When liquid enters the reservoir, the increasing volume automatically pushes the displaceable element from the open to the closed position, eliminating the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms while maintaining full automation of the sampling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex motorized or electronically controlled valve mechanisms with a simple passive mechanical displaceable element that responds directly to liquid volume accumulation. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while preserving automatic sampling functionality.
3Measurement precision
If the urine stream is interrupted to capture a specific fraction, then accurate sampling can be achieved, but the user experience becomes messy and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows the urine stream to flow continuously without interruption. The displaceable element automatically captures the first portion while the user maintains continuous flow, eliminating the need to stop or manipulate the stream, thereby significantly improving user convenience and reducing mess.
4Productivity
If a displaceable element is used instead of a valve, then the first liquid portion flows unhindered to the reservoir, but the mechanism for blocking further liquid entrance must be reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable element is positioned and dimensioned so that when displaced by the accumulated liquid volume, it proactively blocks the inlet before any subsequent liquid portions can enter the reservoir. The element's geometry ensures complete sealing of the flow path, preventing any mixing between the first portion and later liquid.
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 effectively captures a predefined volume of the initial liquid portion without dilution, is user-friendly, and reduces spillage and contamination, allowing continuous urine flow without interrupting the user, enhancing sampling reproducibility and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the lifting means comprises a predefined volume of a material having a mass density lower than that of the liquid to be captured
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for capturing a predetermined volume of a predefined portion (e.g. first void) of a liquid flow, comprises an inlet (2), an outlet (4), and a guide (3) with an element (6) displaceable in a first position for capturing the first liquid portion in a reservoir (5), and in a second position for blocking access to the reservoir (5), and for passing the liquid to the outlet. The displaceable element moves in transverse direction to the liquid flow, and has lifting means (69). The element (6) may be substantially flat, or tubular with an elliptical cross section. A kit of parts and a method of assembly are also claimed.