Automated Sample Removal Mechanism for Volatile Organic Compound Analysis
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample introduction devices require manual operation to remove samples from sample tubes, leading to increased operator workload and prolonged measurement times when analyzing volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.
Innovation Solution
A sample introduction device with an integrated sample removing mechanism, including a shaft with a contact section and a heating mechanism, automatically removes samples from the sample tube, reducing operator intervention and preventing cross-contamination through purge gas and extrusion gas usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to remove samples from sample tubes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operator workload increases and measurement time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The sample removing mechanism enables the system to automatically perform sample removal without human intervention. The shaft with contact section autonomously pushes out samples from heated sample tubes, allowing the device to serve itself in the sample removal task, thereby reducing operator workload while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The sample removing mechanism introduces dynamic elements (movable shaft, contact section that expands upon heating) to automate the sample removal process. The contact section's outer diameter changes from smaller than the shaft section to larger than the shaft section when heated, enabling automatic sample ejection without increasing overall device complexity
2Productivity
If manual operation is used to remove samples from sample tubes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sample removing mechanism performs sample ejection autonomously after heating, eliminating the manual operation step that prolongs measurement time. The system self-services by automatically removing samples from tubes, thereby reducing total measurement time while the added complexity remains localized to the removing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The sample removing mechanism enables continuous operation by automatically ejecting samples after heating, allowing the next sample to be immediately processed without waiting for manual removal. This continuous action reduces measurement time while the device complexity is confined to the automated removing subsystem
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the contact section has a larger outer diameter than the shaft section, then the sample can be effectively pushed out, but the shaft requires more space for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The contact section is designed with locally differentiated properties - its outer diameter is larger than the shaft section only at specific contact points with the sample, while the overall shaft volume remains compact. This local quality enhancement enables effective sample ejection and cross-contamination prevention without requiring the entire shaft to be large
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is segmented into distinct functional portions: a narrower shaft section for insertion and a broader contact section for sample engagement. This segmentation allows the contact section to have larger diameter for effective sample pushing while the shaft section maintains smaller volume for easy insertion, resolving the spatial contradiction
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
Automated sample removal reduces operator workload and processing time while preventing cross-contamination, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of VOC and SVOC analysis.
Implementation Method 1
heats a sample tube containing a sample to desorb a sample compound
Implementation Method 2
the SVOC in the sample tube is diffused
Implementation Method 3
carrier gas flows into the sample tube. As a result, the VOC extracted from the sample is sent out by the carrier gas
Data Source
AI summary
A sample introduction device 10 includes a tube holding section 21 and a sample removing mechanism 40. The sample removing mechanism 40 removes a sample 6 in a sample tube 2 held by the tube holding section 21. Thus, in the sample introduction device 10, the sample 6 in the sample tube 2 held by the tube holding section 21 can be automatically removed. As a result, the operator no longer needs to perform an operation of taking out the sample 6 from the sample tube 2. Thus, a work load on the operator can be reduced.