Rolling Sampling Sphere Probe for Automated Surface Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface sampling technologies face limitations in efficiency and accuracy, particularly in the automation of sampling processes, as they often require manual operation and lack precise control over sampling fluid flow rates and surface interaction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a sampling probe with a rolling sampling sphere and adjustable fluid conduits for efficient sampling fluid supply and extraction, allowing for simultaneous rolling and fluid withdrawal, along with optional components like cameras and processors for enhanced control and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual surface sampling is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but sampling efficiency and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling sampling sphere automatically performs sampling operations by rolling across the surface, with sampling fluid being supplied and withdrawn automatically through the conduits. The system serves itself by using the rolling motion to both apply sampling fluid and collect samples without requiring manual intervention for each sampling action, thereby improving efficiency while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling operations with an automated rolling sphere mechanism driven by fluid flow. The mechanical rolling action is substituted by fluid-powered movement, where sampling fluid flow rates control the sphere's motion and sampling process, reducing the need for complex manual mechanical control systems.
2Measurement precision
If fixed fluid flow rates are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but sampling precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable fluid flow rates that can be dynamically controlled to optimize sampling for different analytes and surface conditions. The supply and withdrawal flow rates are made variable rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt to different sampling requirements and improve measurement precision without requiring overly complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in fluid flow rate parameters to optimize sampling performance. By adjusting the supply flow rate and withdrawal flow rate independently, the system can control the sampling process more precisely, enabling better control over sample collection efficiency and accuracy for different analytical requirements.
3Productivity
If sampling fluid is supplied continuously, then sampling efficiency is improved, but fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sampling by simultaneously supplying sampling fluid and withdrawing sampled fluid through coordinated flow rates. The rolling sphere continuously contacts the surface while fluid flows through the system, maintaining continuous sampling action without interruption, thereby improving productivity while managing fluid consumption through balanced supply and withdrawal rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fluid hydraulic principles to control the sampling process, where sampling fluid is supplied through one conduit and withdrawn through another with matched flow rates. This hydraulic control mechanism enables efficient continuous sampling while managing fluid consumption through balanced flow management and the rolling sphere's interaction with the fluid stream.
4Reliability
If the exhaust conduit is fixed close to the sphere, then sample collection efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the exhaust conduit movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned at different distances from the rolling sphere depending on the sampling requirements and surface type. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt to different surface geometries and sampling conditions while maintaining reliable sample collection by optimizing the exhaust conduit's proximity to the sphere for each specific application.
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
This system enables precise, automated surface sampling with adjustable fluid flow rates and surface interaction, improving sampling efficiency and accuracy by allowing continuous sampling and analysis of surface analytes with enhanced control over the sampling process.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling sampling sphere engaged to the probe within the socket... The sampling sphere can rotate in all directions about three axes... capable of rolling movement
Implementation Method 2
A supply pump can be provided for supplying sampling fluid through the sampling fluid supply conduit to the sampling sphere. The supply pump and the exhaust pump can have adjustable volumetric flow rates.
Implementation Method 3
An exhaust pump can be provided for withdrawing sampling fluid from the sampling fluid exhaust conduit. The supply pump and the exhaust pump can have adjustable volumetric flow rates.
Implementation Method 4
The sampling fluid supply conduit supplies sampling fluid to the sampling sphere. The sampling fluid exhaust conduit has an inlet opening for receiving sampling fluid carried from the surface by the sampling sphere.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sampling a surface includes a sampling probe having a housing and a socket, and a rolling sampling sphere within the socket. The housing has a sampling fluid supply conduit and a sampling fluid exhaust conduit. The sampling fluid supply conduit supplies sampling fluid to the sampling sphere. The sampling fluid exhaust conduit has an inlet opening for receiving sampling fluid carried from the surface by the sampling sphere. A surface sampling probe and a method for sampling a surface are also disclosed.