Programmable Liquid Sampler with Peristaltic Pump and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sampling methods are either costly due to the use of expensive load cells or unreliable due to manual adjustments, and they struggle with maintaining consistent and accurate sample sizes, especially in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A programmable liquid sampler with an adjustable intake tube and a refrigeration/heater unit that maintains sample temperature, featuring a touchscreen interface for precise control of sample volume and timing, and a powerful vacuum system for consistent sampling across different environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load cells are used to measure sample weight for adaptive feedback control, then sample size control accuracy is improved, but system cost and reliability deteriorate due to expensive components and mechanical fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical load cell system with an electronic control system that uses a peristaltic pump to precisely control sample volume. The pump's rotational speed and duration are electronically regulated to deliver accurate sample sizes without mechanical weight measurement, eliminating the fragility and cost associated with load cells while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a peristaltic pump mechanism that relies on pneumatic or hydraulic principles to move and measure liquid samples. The pump's roller compression of tubing creates precise volumetric displacement, enabling accurate sample size control through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical weight sensing, thereby improving reliability while maintaining precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual adjustment of intake tube is used to fix sample size, then system cost is reduced, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate due to difficulty in adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable peristaltic pump system where sample volume is controlled by programmable parameters such as pump rotation speed, number of rotations, and pumping duration. This allows easy adjustment of sample sizes through software settings rather than manual mechanical adjustment, improving ease of operation while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from manual intake tube position to electronic pump control parameters (rotation speed, rotation count, duration). This allows sample size adjustment by modifying electrical/control parameters rather than mechanical positions, making the system easier to operate and more adaptable while keeping manufacturing costs low.
3Measurement precision
If manual discharge of excess sample is used, then sample size control is achieved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate due to difficult and time-consuming operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates electronic feedback control where the microcontroller monitors pump operation and automatically stops sampling when the predetermined sample volume is reached. This eliminates manual monitoring and discharge operations, achieving precise sample size control while significantly improving productivity by automating the entire sampling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically controlling the sampling process through programmed parameters. The microcontroller manages pump operation, timing, and volume calculation without requiring manual intervention for discharge or adjustment, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enhancing productivity through automation.
4Ease of operation
If unlimited oversample is allowed during vacuum sampling, then sampling simplicity is maintained, but sample quality deteriorates due to contamination and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the exact pump operation parameters (rotation speed, rotation count, duration) needed to achieve the desired sample volume. This prevents oversampling from the outset rather than requiring post-sampling correction, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring consistent sample quality through predetermined control limits.
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 provides a reliable, repeatable, and accurate sampling method that maintains consistent sample sizes and quality across various environmental conditions, exceeding current EPA transport velocity requirements and ensuring accurate wastewater sampling.
Implementation Method 1
A refrigeration/heater unit maintains the temperature of the sample to a range of +/â10 to 2 degrees C. in most climates.
Implementation Method 2
Vacuum is applied to the sample chamber via the vacuum/pressure port to draw the sample into the sample chamber via the suction tube
Implementation Method 3
Pressure is then applied to the sample chamber, and the excess sample is discharged back out through the suction line
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for wastewater sampling in all climates. The wastewater sampling apparatus pulls a sample from a stream or other body of water based on flow or time maintaining a consistent, repeatable, and accurate sample size. The present invention includes an all-weather housing. An integrated touchscreen control provides the ability to specify the volumes of water and program times and/or flow intervals to collect samples. Controls also allow control of the temperature within the sample compartment, both from the unit directly or from an external device. The present invention includes arcuate sample chamber and pivoting sample tube for accurate wastewater volume samples. The present invention may pull samples with vertical lifts of up to 29 feet or more and provide consistent accurate sampling exceeding current EPA transport velocity.