Modular Environmental Chamber for Ablated Particulate Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental sampling devices are limited by fixed configurations, leading to inefficient air circulation, frequent clogging, and inability to meet industry standards for collecting and analyzing particulates, which increases costs and reduces accuracy due to inadequate energy focus on the test sample.
Innovation Solution
A modular, self-contained environmental chamber with adjustable configurations and multiple inlet/outlet ports that allows for customizable air circulation and energy focus, reducing the risk of clogging and improving test accuracy by accommodating various sample types and energy levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed configuration with only two ports is used, then the device structure is simple, but air circulation is inefficient and clogging occurs frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the air circulation system into multiple independent flow paths by adding additional ports (inlet ports and outlet ports) beyond the original two ports. This segmentation allows air to flow through multiple parallel channels, improving overall circulation efficiency and reducing the likelihood of clogging in any single path.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional ports serve multiple functions: they enable improved air circulation, facilitate sample collection, and allow for better positioning of the ablation tool. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system more versatile without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the ablation tool is positioned close to the test sample for energy focus, then test accuracy improves, but the risk of damage to the chamber increases
Solution Approach 1:
An optical window is introduced as an intermediary component between the ablation tool and the test chamber. This window allows the ablation tool to be positioned outside the chamber while still delivering focused energy through the window to the sample inside, maintaining energy focus accuracy while preventing direct contact and potential damage to the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the ablation tool positioning space from the sample containment space using the optical window. This segmentation allows independent optimization: the tool can be positioned for optimal energy focus outside the chamber, while the chamber remains protected and can be designed for durability and sample containment.
3Productivity
If a fixed distance between ablation tool and test sample is used, then the device structure is simple, but test configurations are limited and test time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the ablation tool position and test sample position to be dynamically changed. This enables optimization of the distance and alignment between tool and sample for different test configurations, reducing test execution time while accommodating various material types and energy levels without requiring a completely fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of critical parameters such as ablation tool distance, angle, and energy level to optimize test performance. By making these parameters adjustable rather than fixed, the device can adapt to different test requirements, reducing test time and improving versatility without excessive complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If large clean rooms are used for environmental testing, then comprehensive testing can be conducted, but operational costs and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential testing function from a large clean room environment by creating a self-contained test chamber. The chamber incorporates all necessary components (ablation tool, sample holder, air circulation system with multiple ports, filtration) within a compact unit, eliminating the need for extensive facility infrastructure while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The test chamber is designed as a self-contained system that performs all necessary functions internally: air circulation, particulate collection, filtration, and sample analysis. This self-service capability allows the device to operate independently without requiring large clean room facilities, reducing both operational costs and facility complexity.
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 solution reduces test costs and labor by containing hazards within a sealed environment, providing more accurate and reliable results by managing air circulation and energy concentration, thus enhancing the representation of real-world particulate and off-gassing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an ablation tool 10, which can be for example a laser, sends a beam of directed energy 12 through lens 14 directed at sample 4. When directed energy beam 12 hits test sample 4, the beam ablates the sample 4 generating particulates
Implementation Method 2
air circulates through vessel 2 as supplied by circulation pump 18 via input port 20 and exit port 22
Implementation Method 3
A sample collector filter 24 catches the airborne particulates ablated off test sample 4
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for sampling the particulates and substances emitted from a test sample when the surface of the sample is ablated. The disclosed sampling chamber and methods avoids the need for clean rooms and other expensive testing apparatus and can be used to test a variety of materials in accordance with standard measurement procedures. Use of the testing chamber and methods assists with safety and risk evaluation in applications such as painting and removal of coatings.