Closed-Loop Air Sampling Using Peristaltic Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining and analyzing alveolar air samples are invasive and prone to contamination, requiring accurate and non-invasive techniques to collect sufficient volumes of air for testing without introducing external influences.
Innovation Solution
A closed system using a peristaltic pump and a breath collection bag to capture and transfer air samples in a vacuum state, ensuring no introduction of waste air or contaminants, with a peristaltic pump evacuating the system to atmospheric pressure and maintaining pristine conditions for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive procedures are used to obtain alveolar air samples, then accurate sampling is achieved, but patient comfort and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a closed system with a peristaltic pump as an intermediary device to transfer air samples from the lungs to the analyzer. The pump moves air through a sealed circuit containing a collection bag, preventing direct contact between sampling instruments and the patient while maintaining sample integrity. This mediator approach enables accurate sampling without invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sampling devices (such as bronchial washings or transthoracic needle aspirations) with a peristaltic pump-based air transfer system. The peristaltic pump uses flexible tubing and roller compression to move air samples, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical interventions while maintaining sampling accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If open system sampling is used, then ease of operation is improved, but sample contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a closed, inert environment for air sample collection and transfer. The system includes a sealed collection bag and tubing that prevents exposure to external air, maintaining the sample in a controlled atmosphere throughout the transfer process. This inert environment approach preserves sample purity while keeping the system simple to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The peristaltic pump and closed tubing system serve as intermediaries that isolate the air sample from the external environment. The pump moves air through sealed connections, and the collection bag provides a protected storage space, preventing contamination while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If peristaltic pump is used to transfer air samples, then sample purity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible tubing and a collapsible collection bag made of thin, flexible material to create the closed air transfer system. These flexible components enable the peristaltic pump to compress and move air samples while maintaining a simple, adaptable structure that doesn't require complex rigid mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The peristaltic pump is a self-regulating device that uses roller compression of flexible tubing to automatically control air flow and pressure. The pump self-adjusts to maintain proper sampling conditions without requiring complex external control systems, thereby maintaining sample purity while limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If vacuum state is used for sample collection, then sample representation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pump acts as an intermediary device that creates and maintains the vacuum state needed for proper air sample collection. The pump's roller compression of flexible tubing generates the necessary pressure differential to draw air from the lungs and maintain it in the collection bag, providing accurate sample representation without requiring complex dedicated vacuum systems.
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 non-invasive collection and transfer of alveolar air samples, maintaining sample purity and preventing contamination, suitable for analysis in gas or liquid analyzers.
Implementation Method 1
A rotor with a number of 'rollers', 'shoes' or 'wipers' attached to the external circumference compresses the flexible tube. As the rotor turns, the part of tube under compression closes (or 'occludes') thus forcing the fluid to be pumped to move through the tube.
Implementation Method 2
capturing the air in a vacuum state, accessing the air sample by a hollow needle, and using a peristaltic pump to take the pressure down to atmospheric level
Data Source
AI summary
An air sampling apparatus is disclosed, including a closed loop system for extracting air to be sampled into an analysis device such as a gas chromatograph, which is further coupled to an output. The closed loop sample extraction method reduces contaminants that can otherwise be introduced into air samples.