Sample Cup Assembly Aperture Alignment for Gas Purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sample cups used in spectrochemical analysis require a means to introduce and escape gas to prevent air entrapment and ensure accurate data, as wrinkles or creases in the thin film can lead to inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A sample cup assembly with a cell body, rotatable cap, and ring member that includes a series of apertures for gas introduction and selective alignment to control gas escape, ensuring the thin film remains taut and free of wrinkles, and a method for purging the cup by aligning apertures to manage gas release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas is introduced into the sample cup to purge entrapped air, then measurement precision is improved, but sample loss occurs through uncontrolled gas escape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of aperture size and configuration to control gas flow. The cell body includes multiple apertures of different sizes (first aperture larger than second aperture) that allow selective control of gas escape rates, enabling precise purging while minimizing sample loss through optimized flow parameters
2Measurement precision
If the thin film is stretched taut to prevent wrinkles, then measurement precision is improved, but the film becomes more susceptible to damage during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-stretching the thin film between the first and second end walls during the assembly process, before the cup is sealed and used. This preliminary stretching ensures the film is taut and free of wrinkles that would cause measurement errors, while the controlled assembly process prevents film damage
3Productivity
If multiple apertures are provided for gas introduction and escape, then purging effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gas flow path into multiple apertures with different functions and sizes. The cell body is divided into regions with specific aperture configurations (first aperture for primary gas introduction, second aperture for controlled escape), allowing efficient purging through functional segmentation without excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A sample analysis cup assembly, system and method for purging including a cell body, including a top end; a bottom end; a cell body wall extending axially from the top end to the bottom end; a transverse wall adjacent the top end, including a plurality of apertures extending therethrough; and a raised portion on the transverse wall including a central aperture extending therethrough; a rotatable cap, including a top surface; a bottom surface; and a series of apertures extending from the top surface through the bottom surface, the rotatable cap being structured to engage with the top end of the cell body; and a ring member structured to couple with the bottom end of the cell body are provided.