Gravity-Driven Powder Sampling Vessel with Weighted Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing sites, operators are at risk of exposure to hazardous dust during powder sampling due to the lack of effective containment methods.
Innovation Solution
A metal sampling vessel with a cylindrical body and a weight part that satisfies a specific mass ratio, allowing it to drop into a powder container under gravity, combined with a method for sampling using a closed environment to prevent exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional open sampling method is used, then the sampling operation is simple and quick, but the operator is exposed to hazardous dust and highly active pharmacological substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a closed sampling vessel with a cavity that encapsulates the sampling space, creating a physical barrier that prevents dust and hazardous substances from escaping to the operator. The vessel acts as a containment shell that isolates the sampling operation from the external environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling vessel is divided into distinct functional segments: a closed cavity for containing the powder, a weight part for controlling insertion dynamics, and a connector for suspension. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while contributing to overall containment safety.
2Reliability
If a closed sampling environment is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but the sampling device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The weight part is designed to automatically control the insertion of the sampling vessel into the powder container without requiring external mechanical assistance or complex control systems. The gravitational force on the weight part provides the necessary driving force for insertion, making the system self-actuating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the mass relationship between the weight part (M1) and the cylindrical body (M2) to achieve reliable containment. By setting M1 > M2, the design ensures sufficient gravitational force for insertion while maintaining structural integrity and containment effectiveness throughout the sampling process.
3Extent of automation
If the sampling vessel is designed with a weight part for gravity-based insertion, then the sampling process is automated and operator exposure is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The weight part serves as a self-actuating mechanism that automatically drives the sampling vessel into the powder container using gravitational force. This eliminates the need for manual insertion or complex motorized systems, achieving automation through simple physics-based design.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight part acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the powder container. It mediates the insertion process by converting gravitational force into controlled motion, reducing direct operator involvement and exposure while maintaining precise control over the sampling operation.
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 solution effectively prevents operator exposure to highly active pharmacological substances by ensuring the sampling process occurs within a controlled, closed environment, maintaining safety and containment during powder collection.
Implementation Method 1
a weight part extending between a bottom of the cavity and the first end; wherein the cylindrical body satisfies a relationship M1>M2... A powder sampling method using the sampling vessel and utilizing gravity is also proposed
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling vessel which can prevent the operator from being exposed to a powder. A metal sampling vessel (1) for sampling powder has a cylindrical body (2) having a closed first end (2a), an opposite second end (2b) including an opening and a cavity (3), and a connector (6a, 6b) for connecting the cylindrical body (2) to a hanging line. The cylindrical body (2) satisfies a relationship M1>M2, wherein M1 represents the mass between the first end (2a) and a bottom (3c) of the cavity and M2 represents the mass between the opening (5) at the second end and the bottom (3c) of the cavity.