Sampling Capsule Silicone Plug Vacuum Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling capsules are prone to air leaks during transportation and storage, leading to product waste and cumbersome sample drawing, as they require a vacuum condition before use which is difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A sampling capsule design featuring a silicone plug in the sample drawing assembly, allowing air to be pumped out using a syringe to re-establish vacuum, and a microprocessor-controlled sampling switch with a heating element to manage the sampling tube's opening and closing, enabling efficient sampling without pre-evacuation of the sample chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sample chamber is maintained under vacuum condition before use, then sampling effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes susceptible to air leaks during transportation and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the vacuum state in the sample chamber before use, and providing a vacuum restoration capability through the pump system. The sample chamber is configured to be in a vacuum state prior to sampling, and if air leakage occurs during storage or transport, the pump can restore the vacuum condition, ensuring the sampling effectiveness is maintained without requiring the entire device to be discarded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing a vacuum protection mechanism that anticipates potential air leakage. The pump system serves as a compensatory measure that can restore vacuum conditions if leakage occurs during transportation or storage, thereby protecting against the harmful effect of air leakage and preventing product waste.
2Productivity
If the sample chamber is pre-evacuated to vacuum condition, then sampling efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating a vacuum pump system that can establish vacuum conditions before sampling. The pump is configured to create a vacuum state in the sample chamber prior to the sampling operation, thereby improving sampling efficiency without requiring complex pre-evacuation processes during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing a self-contained vacuum system where the pump can autonomously establish and maintain vacuum conditions in the sample chamber. The system includes a control module that automatically activates the pump when needed, eliminating the need for external vacuum equipment or complex manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If a silicone plug is added to the sample drawing assembly, then vacuum integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a silicone plug in the sample drawing assembly. The silicone material provides flexible sealing capability that maintains vacuum integrity while allowing for simple integration into the existing device structure. The flexibility of the silicone plug enables it to conform to the sampling needle, ensuring reliable sealing without adding significant structural complexity.
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 design prevents product waste due to air leaks and allows for efficient vacuum establishment without pre-evacuation, ensuring effective sampling and maintaining vacuum integrity for subsequent uses.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element in communication with the microprocessor and capable of fusing the clamping ring
Implementation Method 2
the control module further comprises a pressure sensor disposed in the sample chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling capsule is provided. The sampling capsule includes an enclosure, a sampling assembly, a sample drawing assembly and a control module. The sampling assembly includes a sample chamber arranged in the enclosure, an outer sampling port on the enclosure, a sampling tube connecting the outer sampling port and the sample chamber, and a sampling switch for opening or closing the connecting tube. The sample drawing assembly includes a sample drawing port on the enclosure and connected to the sample chamber, and a silicone plug fitted in the sample discharging port. The control module includes a microprocessor communicating with the sampling switch.