Liquid Sampler with Nested Syphon and Sealing Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid samplers are cumbersome, not easily transportable, and typically allow for the collection of only one sample at a time without the capability to store samples or collect at specific depths, often requiring discharge into a container before another sample can be taken.
Innovation Solution
A portable, easy-to-use liquid sampler with a tube and elongate member that allows for multiple sample collection at various depths, featuring a resilient member and plugs with sealing lips, enabling storage and transport of samples, and can be operated manually or automatically, with a C-clamp for attaching to containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional liquid samplers are used, then sample collection is possible, but the device is cumbersome and not easily transportable
Solution Approach 1:
The sampler is divided into separate components: a collection tube, a syphon tube, and a plug system. This segmentation allows the device to be disassembled for easy transport and reassembled for use, resolving the contradiction between ease of transport and device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The syphon tube is nested within the collection tube, and the plug is housed within the syphon tube. This nested configuration allows all components to be stored compactly together, making the device portable while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
2Productivity
If conventional liquid samplers are used, then one sample can be collected, but the sample must be decanted before another sample can be taken
Solution Approach 1:
The syphon tube acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers liquid from the collection tube without requiring decanting. By introducing this intermediate transfer system, multiple samples can be collected sequentially without the time-consuming decanting step, improving productivity while reducing time loss.
3Measurement precision
If conventional liquid samplers are used, then sample collection is possible, but collection at specific depths is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is pre-positioned within the syphon tube before deployment. When the device is lowered to the desired depth, the plug is released to seal the collection tube at that specific depth. This preliminary positioning allows precise depth control without complex opening mechanisms during operation.
4Ease of operation
If a syphon is used, then liquid transfer is possible, but priming requires significant liquid depth
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the syphon to be completely filled with liquid for priming, the invention uses a partial action approach where the plug mechanism seals a small portion of the collection tube. This allows the syphon to prime with minimal liquid depth, making operation easier while reducing the quantity of liquid needed.
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 efficient, repeatable collection of multiple samples at different depths and locations, unaffected by ambient pressure, with the ability to store and transport samples, and can be scaled for various sample volumes.
Implementation Method 1
a syphon tube that is in communication with the collection tube and is configured to syphon liquid from the collection tube
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member which is removably housed in the bore; a first plug which is attached to a distal end of the resilient member
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid sampler is provided for collecting a sample of a liquid, the liquid sampler comprising: a tube which includes a proximal end and a distal end, and a bore therebetween; a resilient member which is removably housed in the bore; a first plug which is attached to a distal end of the resilient member; at least a second plug which is attached to the resilient member, proximally to the first plug; and a grip which is attached to a second end of the resilient member, wherein one or more of the second plug and grip extend outward from the distal end and the proximal end respectively, in use.