Motorized Air Sampling Actuator for Canister Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operation of air sampling canisters is cumbersome, prone to errors, and requires excessive labor, and existing automated solutions often introduce contaminants or lose vacuum over time, especially in inclement weather.
Innovation Solution
An air sampling actuator with a motor-powered adaptor that interfaces with the canister's valve-controlling knob, allowing for automated and precise control of air sampling, minimizing human intervention and maintaining vacuum integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation of air sampling canisters is performed, then labor costs and errors are reduced, but excessive labor and operational complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized actuator automatically performs the sampling operation by interfacing with the existing valve-controlling knob, eliminating the need for manual intervention while utilizing the canister's own vacuum mechanism. The system serves itself by converting rotational motion to linear motion through the adaptor's threaded engagement, achieving automated sampling without requiring complex external control systems.
2Extent of automation
If existing automated solutions are used, then labor is reduced, but contaminants are introduced or vacuum is lost over time
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized actuator serves as an intermediary device that interfaces with the existing valve-controlling knob through the adaptor. This intermediary approach allows automated control while maintaining the original vacuum-sealed canister design, preventing contaminant introduction and vacuum loss that would occur with direct automated piercing or valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor-driven actuator system. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, which is then transformed into linear motion through the adaptor's threaded engagement with the valve-controlling knob, enabling precise automated control without compromising vacuum integrity.
3Measurement precision
If motor-powered adaptor is used to interface with valve-controlling knob, then precise automated control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized actuator with adaptor serves multiple functions: it provides automated valve control through rotational motion, maintains precise positioning via threaded engagement, and interfaces universally with standard valve-controlling knobs. This multi-functionality achieves precise automated control without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device 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
Enables accurate and automated air sampling with reduced labor costs and minimized errors, maintaining vacuum integrity even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The motor may be configured to generate a mechanical action, in response to a control signal received by the motor
Data Source
AI summary
An air sampling actuator and associated method are disclosed. The air sampling actuator may include a housing configured to mount on a canister, a motor configured to be accommodated in the housing, and an adaptor. The motor may generate a mechanical action, in response to a control signal received by the motor. The adaptor may be coupled to the motor, and configured to interface with a valve-controlling knob of the canister. In a first configuration of the air sampling actuator, the adaptor may be uncoupled from the valve-controlling knob of the canister, and the hook portion may be unengaged with the canister. In a second configuration of the air sampling actuator, the adaptor may be coupled with the valve-controlling knob of the canister, and the hook portion may be engaged with the canister.