Particle Sampling Device Firmware for Location Data Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle collection systems in cleanroom and manufacturing environments face challenges in achieving high collection efficiencies for biological particles while maintaining viability and reducing false positive detection events, particularly in applications with numerous sampling locations, where efficient management and tracking of samples are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A portable particle sampling device with a graphical user interface (GUI) that associates each sampling location with a unique identifier, allowing for easy selection and display of sampling locations on a map, and automatic loading of sampling and analysis recipes, enabling efficient sampling and data management across multiple locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single stage active air sampling impactor system is used to collect biological particles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and collection efficiency for biological particles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The impactor system is divided into multiple stages, with each stage collecting particles of different size ranges. The first stage collects larger particles while the second stage collects smaller particles, allowing the system to maintain high collection efficiency across the full biological particle size spectrum while using a modular approach that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by collecting particles at different time points during the sampling period. Multiple samples are taken at intervals and analyzed separately, adding a time-based dimension to the spatial sampling approach, which enhances the ability to detect temporal variations in particle concentrations while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Reliability
If biological particles are collected onto growth medium and incubated, then the viability and detectability of particles is improved, but the time required for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting particles onto growth medium and initiating incubation before final analysis is required. Samples are prepared in advance and incubated to ensure particle viability is maintained, with the understanding that this preliminary processing time is necessary to guarantee reliable detection results.
Solution Approach 2:
The incubation process continues uninterrupted from the time particles are deposited onto the growth medium until analysis is complete. This continuous incubation ensures that particles remain viable and actively reproduce, maintaining the reliability of detection while the time investment is justified by the continuous useful action of particle reproduction and detection.
3Device complexity
If multiple sampling locations are managed manually, then the device complexity remains low, but the loss of information and management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is designed with multi-functionality, integrating both the physical sampling capabilities and the data management functions into a single device. The device can automatically record sampling location information, associate it with sample data, and provide navigation guidance, eliminating the need for separate manual tracking systems while managing multiple sampling locations efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically track and record sampling location information, providing real-time feedback to the operator about which locations have been sampled and which remain. This automated feedback loop prevents information loss and improves management efficiency by continuously updating the sampling status without requiring manual intervention.
4Measurement precision
If cascade impactors are used for collection and sizing of particles, then the measurement precision for particle sizing is improved, but the device complexity and number of stages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a partial action approach by implementing only the necessary number of impactor stages to achieve adequate particle sizing precision for the specific application. Rather than always using the full cascade impactor sequence, the system can operate with fewer stages when smaller particle sizing is not required, reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for biological particle detection.
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 ensures high collection efficiencies, maintains particle viability, reduces false positives, and simplifies the management of numerous sampling locations, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of particle sampling and analysis in cleanroom and manufacturing environments.
Implementation Method 1
the inertia of the particle will separate the particle from the airflow streamlines and allow it to impact on the surface
Implementation Method 2
the media is incubated to allow the biological particles to reproduce
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided herein are methods and devices that allow for efficient management of many different sampling locations within a facility. A method for operating a biological sampler, a particle counter, and like air sampling, analysis, and/or monitoring equipment or instrumentation is described, such as by sampling an environment at a sampling position with the biological sampler and storing sample data and other useful information in memory in association with unique identifier(s) including sampling location(s) for the samples. Also provided are associated devices for carrying out the methods.