Reversible Flow Sampler Shuttle for Cross-Contamination Purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current samplers fail to effectively purge liquid from the sample chamber, leading to cross contamination between samples and inaccurate analysis results.
Innovation Solution
A reversible flow sampler with a shuttle mechanism that reverses the inlet and outlet connections and uses pressurized air to evacuate liquid from the sample chamber, ensuring thorough purging and preventing cross contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air is directed through the lines that direct fluid to the bottom of the sampler chamber, then an attempt is made to purge liquids residing in the sample chamber, but it only bubbles through the liquid and fails to evacuate the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flow reversal by switching the inlet and outlet connections of the sample chamber. Instead of directing air through the bottom as in conventional samplers, the system reverses the flow direction to evacuate liquid from the chamber effectively. This is achieved through a valve mechanism that swaps the connections, allowing purging fluid to enter from what was previously the outlet and exit through what was previously the inlet, thereby solving the ineffective purging problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching of flow paths using a valve mechanism that can change the configuration of inlet and outlet connections. This dynamic capability allows the system to alternate between sampling mode and purging mode, enabling effective liquid evacuation by reversing flow direction only when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between purging effectiveness and device complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional samplers are used with fixed inlet and outlet connections, then the structure is simple, but cross contamination between subsequent samples occurs due to inability to effectively purge the sample chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prevents cross contamination by inverting the flow direction through a reversible flow mechanism. The valve system switches the inlet and outlet connections, allowing purging fluid to flow through the sample chamber in the opposite direction, effectively removing residual samples and preventing contamination between subsequent analyses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic purging cycles where the flow direction is reversed at intervals between samples. This periodic action ensures that the sample chamber is thoroughly cleaned of residual materials before the next sampling operation, maintaining reliability and preventing cross contamination while managing device complexity through automated cyclic 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 sampler effectively purges liquid from the sample chamber, preventing cross contamination and ensuring accurate analysis results by reversing fluid flow and using pressurized air to evacuate residual fluids.
Implementation Method 1
uses pressurized air to evacuate liquid from the sample chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a reversible flow sampler including a housing, a housing cover, and a shuttle. The housing defines a sampler chamber with an inlet and an outlet, a first opening, and a second opening. The shuttle is movably disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing cover. The shuttle has a first shuttle position and a second shuttle position. In the first shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the first opening with the sample chamber inlet and fluidly connects the second opening with the sample chamber outlet. In the second shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the second opening with the sample chamber inlet and fluidly connects the first opening with the sample chamber outlet.