Microsampler With Phase-Change Valve for Hermetic CBE Sample Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing and analyzing chemical, biological, and explosive (CBE) samples face challenges due to rapid decay and environmental interference, making post-event analysis complex and requiring simplified methods for hermetic sample storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A phase-change microvalve technology is developed to create a miniaturized archival storage system that hermetically seals CBE samples using a dual-layer stacked valve structure and vacuum chamber, allowing for later analysis in certified laboratories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sample collection methods are used, then samples can be collected for analysis, but sample integrity deteriorates due to rapid decay and environmental contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vacuum-sealed chamber that creates an inert environment by removing atmospheric gases and contaminants. This vacuum environment prevents chemical reactions, biological degradation, and contamination of the collected sample, thereby maintaining sample integrity over extended storage periods without requiring complex preservation chemicals or active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase-change materials (such as paraffin wax or gallium alloys) that transition from solid to liquid state in response to thermal input. This phase transition mechanism automatically seals the sample chamber by filling and solidifying in the valve aperture, providing passive, long-duration sample containment without requiring active mechanical components or power sources during the storage phase.
2Reliability
If hermetic sealing is implemented to protect samples, then sample integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to multiple valve structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase-change materials (such as paraffin wax or gallium alloys) that transition from solid to liquid state in response to thermal input. This phase transition mechanism automatically seals the sample chamber by filling and solidifying in the valve aperture, providing passive, long-duration sample containment without requiring active mechanical components or power sources during the storage phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex mechanical actuation system from the sealing mechanism, replacing it with a passive phase-change material that automatically seals through thermal response. This removes the need for motors, sensors, and control systems typically required for hermetic sealing, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If miniaturized storage system is used, then portability and deployment ease are improved, but sampling volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested architecture where the phase-change material valve is integrated within the chamber structure itself, and the entire microsampler can be housed within portable detection systems or drone platforms. This nesting approach maximizes the sample volume within the miniaturized form factor by eliminating dead space and optimizing the spatial arrangement of internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sampling system into modular components: a collectable phase-change material valve, a sealed chamber, and integrated heating elements. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of each component and facilitates assembly in space-constrained environments while maintaining adequate sample volume relative to the total device size.
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 system enables safe and secure storage of CBE samples, facilitating confirmatory analyses and providing critical intelligence by maintaining sample integrity and preventing environmental contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the phase-change material of the valve is thermally cycled and liquefied
Implementation Method 2
the phase-change material of the valve is thermally cycled and liquefied
Implementation Method 3
the valve seal is ruptured, and the surrounding air rushes to fill the vacuum within the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microsampler for hermetically sealing a sample. In particular, such microsamplers can be useful for encapsulation of chemical, biological, and explosive samples for the purposes of archival sample storage. Methods of making and using such microsamplers are also described herein.