Sampling Device Mechanical Force Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling devices for trace detection of contraband materials face challenges in ensuring adequate force application during sample collection, leading to potential 'non-detect events' due to insufficient pressure, which affects detection accuracy and efficiency in high-traffic security screenings.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device equipped with a mechanical force feedback mechanism that indicates when a threshold amount of force is applied to the target surface, ensuring effective sample collection and transfer by inducing a geometric or orientation change, providing both visual and tactile feedback to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand-held detection device is used for sample collection, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but sufficient force application for adequate sample collection becomes difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a mechanical force feedback mechanism that provides real-time tactile feedback to the user when sufficient force is applied. This feedback loop allows the user to maintain ease of operation while ensuring adequate force application through the mechanical indication system that activates when the threshold force is reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The force feedback mechanism is self-actuating through the application force itself. When the user applies force to the target surface, the mechanism automatically engages or disengages based on the magnitude of applied force, eliminating the need for separate control systems and maintaining simplicity while ensuring proper force application.
2Ease of operation
If insufficient force is applied during sample collection, then ease of operation is maintained, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to non-detect events
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical force feedback mechanism provides immediate tactile feedback when sufficient force is applied, creating a feedback loop that guides the user to apply the correct amount of force. This ensures detection accuracy is maintained while preserving ease of operation, as the feedback is intuitive and requires no additional cognitive load.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with the force feedback mechanism pre-configured to activate at the threshold force level. This preliminary setup ensures that before sampling begins, the device is already prepared to guide the user in applying sufficient force, thereby preventing non-detect events before they occur.
3Measurement precision
If a mechanical force feedback mechanism is added to ensure sufficient force application, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force feedback mechanism utilizes the application force itself to activate the feedback indication, eliminating the need for external power sources, sensors, or control systems. The mechanism serves itself by converting the user's input force directly into a tactile feedback signal, thereby improving detection accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using electronic sensors, motors, or digital feedback systems that would increase complexity, the invention employs a purely mechanical feedback mechanism. This mechanical substitution maintains simplicity while achieving the goal of ensuring sufficient force application for accurate detection.
4Quantity of substance
If more force is applied to ensure adequate sampling, then sample collection effectiveness is improved, but risk of damaging the target surface or device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical force feedback mechanism provides a threshold-based indication that tells the user when sufficient force has been applied. This feedback prevents over-application of force by giving clear guidance at the optimal force level, thereby ensuring adequate sample collection while protecting against damage to the target surface or device components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the force feedback mechanism to activate at the precise threshold where adequate sampling is achieved. This preliminary setup establishes the correct force level before sampling begins, guiding the user to apply exactly the right amount of force needed for effective sampling without exceeding damage thresholds.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a sampling device for collecting a sample from a target surface, the sample device including a handle, a body extending from the handle, a sampling head coupled to the body opposite said handle, wherein the sampling head is configured such that, when a mechanical force is applied to the handle, the body rotates to enable a collection of the sample from the target surface by the sampling head, and a mechanical force feedback mechanism. The mechanical force feedback mechanism includes a rotational junction connecting the body to the handle and a pin rotatably coupling the body with the handle, and is configured to prevent a further rotation of the body when a threshold amount of force is applied to the handle.