Perforated Extraction Tube Sampling for Representative Dry Product Bins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for obtaining product samples from receptacles, particularly in agricultural application machines, face challenges such as hazardous access, non-representative sampling, and inefficiency in multi-bin setups, which are time-consuming and impractical.

Innovation Solution

A sampling system using a perforated extraction tube connected to a pressurized air source and a cyclone-based sample collection device outside the receptacle, allowing for representative sampling without direct access to the receptacle, and enabling simultaneous sampling from multiple bins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple flap hatch is used for sampling, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sample representativeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling device complexityVSAvoidsample representativeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling system divides the sampling function into multiple components: extraction tubes with perforations distributed throughout the bin volume, air movement means to create airflow, and a collection device. This segmentation allows representative sampling from multiple locations while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Airflow acts as an intermediary medium to transport product particles from the bin interior to the collection device. The air movement means creates controlled airflow that carries representative samples through the extraction tubes without requiring direct operator access to the bin interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If direct access to the bin is required for sampling, then the sample collection is simplified, but the operator safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection easeVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling system extracts the hazardous function of direct bin access and replaces it with remote sampling mechanisms. Extraction tubes with perforations are positioned throughout the bin volume, allowing sample collection from a safe external location while still obtaining representative samples from the product interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Airflow serves as an intermediary to transport product particles from the bin interior to an external collection point. This eliminates the need for operators to physically access the bin interior, removing the hazard of falling from height while maintaining sample collection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple bins are sampled individually, then the sampling accuracy for each bin is maintained, but the productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling accuracyVSAvoidsampling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The air movement means and collection device are designed to serve multiple bins simultaneously or sequentially. A single collection device can be positioned to receive samples from multiple extraction tubes serving different bins, allowing efficient multi-bin sampling while maintaining individual bin sampling accuracy through controlled airflow distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sampling functions are merged into a single integrated system where the air movement means and collection device serve multiple bins. This consolidation allows operators to sample multiple bins in one operation rather than making separate trips to each bin, significantly improving productivity while maintaining sampling accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 safe, efficient, and representative sampling of dry products from receptacles, reducing operator hazards and improving precision in agricultural applications by providing easy access and accurate sample collection across a wider volume.

Implementation Method 1

Perforations in the extraction tube enable product to enter the tube and become entrained and conveyed in an airflow created by the pressurized air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir entrainment: Entrainment

Implementation Method 2

The sample collection device is configured to generate a cyclone with a pressurized airflow received through the inlet, wherein the cyclone is disposed to separate the sample from the airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentUS12498301B2Method and system for obtaining a sample of dry product from a receptacle

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 AGCO CORP

AI summary

A sampling system and method are used for extracting a sample of dry product from a receptacle. An extraction tube having a perforated portion is disposed in a product storage volume of the receptacle. A pressurized air source is connected to a first end of the extraction tube. A sample collection device is located outside of the receptacle and serves to separate the sample from an airflow driven by the pressurized air source. An inlet of the sample collection device is connected to a second end of the extraction tube. A sample outlet is adapted to dispense the sample, and an air outlet is provided for venting pressurized air.