Modular Particle Collection System for Radiological Evidence Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiological and nuclear evidence collection tools, such as hand-held vacuum cleaners, are ineffective in collecting smaller particles and become contaminated, and are difficult to use in wet environments, leading to incomplete evidence recovery.
Innovation Solution
A modular particle collection system comprising a hollow lower member, a separable upper member, a collection container, an inlet portion for vacuum system attachment, and an outlet portion, which uses cyclonic airflow and filters to efficiently collect particles from 1 micron to 10 mm in size under both dry and wet conditions, preventing contamination and material loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hand-held vacuum cleaners are used for evidence collection, then the collection process is simple, but smaller particles are missed and the vacuum cleaners become contaminated and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is divided into separate components: a collection container that can be detached from the vacuum system, allowing the vacuum to remain clean while particles are collected in a dedicated container. This segmentation prevents contamination of the vacuum cleaner itself.
Solution Approach 2:
A collection container acts as an intermediary between the vacuum system and the evidence particles. This intermediate component captures particles before they can contaminate or damage the vacuum cleaner, protecting the main tool while still enabling effective collection.
2Reliability
If conventional vacuum cleaners and brush and pan methods are used, then the equipment is simple and readily available, but smaller particles are missed leading to incomplete evidence recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the collection function into a dedicated container with specific internal features (conical surface, collection well) optimized for capturing small particles, while keeping the vacuum system separate. This allows specialized particle collection without requiring a completely new complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection container can be attached to various vacuum systems, providing a universal solution that works with different vacuum sources. The container itself serves multiple functions: collecting particles, containing them for transport, and preventing contamination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional collection methods are used in wet environments, then the collection process can proceed, but water residue makes removal and separation of evidence difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container extracts and isolates the evidence collection function from the rest of the system. By separating the collection well from the vacuum system and providing a dedicated containment space, it enables easy removal and separation of evidence even in wet environments, as the container itself can be handled and processed independently.
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 modular system achieves a high collection efficiency of 72% ± 6% for particles, outperforming conventional methods by effectively separating and containing particles within the system, reducing manual handling and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
The collection system may include a conical interior surface configured to induce cyclonic airflow upon receipt of inhaled air
Implementation Method 2
The outer wall and lip may form a cyclone separator configured to induce cyclonic airflow upon receipt of inhaled air
Implementation Method 3
an inlet portion extending radially from the lower member and configured to be fitted to a first portion of a vacuum system
Implementation Method 4
The collection system may include a filter configured to capture at least a portion of the inhaled air
Data Source
AI summary
A modular particle collection system includes a hollow lower member, a hollow upper member separably attached to the hollow lower member, a collection container separably attached to a longitudinal end of the hollow lower member opposite the hollow upper member, an inlet portion extending radially from the hollow lower member and configured to be fitted to a first portion of a vacuum system, a particulate filter, and an outlet portion extending radially outward from the hollow upper member and configured to be fitted to a second portion of vacuum system. Additional modular particle collection systems and a method of making a modular collection system are also disclosed.