Segmented Sampling Needle for Automated Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling devices face issues with pressure fluctuations and leakage when using needles with grooves for sampling and injection in automated analysis systems, leading to accuracy problems and risks of operator injury.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device with a needle that has longitudinally extending grooves on its outside surface and sealing means to maintain atmospheric pressure within the tube, reducing leakage and operator risk, while allowing for precise sampling and cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a needle with a groove on its outside surface is used to equalize pressure, then the accuracy of sampling and injection is improved, but leakage of product, diluent, and cleaning products occurs through the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is divided into functionally distinct zones: grooved zones for pressure equalization and sealing zones for containment. The groove does not extend continuously along the entire needle but is segmented into specific portions, with sealing sections positioned between grooved sections to prevent leakage while maintaining pressure balance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the needle have different surface characteristics: some portions have grooves for pressure equalization while other portions have smooth sealed surfaces for preventing leakage. This local differentiation allows the needle to simultaneously perform pressure equalization and leakage prevention functions.
2Strength
If a cutting tip needle is used for sampling, then the penetration capability is improved, but the risk of operator pricking is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The needle tip is segmented into a cutting portion for penetration and a separate distal end portion for safety. The cutting tip provides effective penetration capability while the rounded or blunted distal end minimizes injury risk to operators during handling.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire needle sharp for penetration, the invention applies the cutting function only to the tip portion while making the handling end (distal end) rounded or blunted. This inverts the traditional approach where the entire needle might be sharp, thereby reducing operator risk while maintaining penetration capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the needle groove extends beyond the stopper in the retracted position, then air circulation is maintained, but the sealing means cannot prevent leakage in the retracted position
Solution Approach 1:
The needle surface is segmented into alternating grooved and sealed zones. When the needle is retracted, the sealing zones positioned between grooved zones prevent leakage while the grooved zones that extend beyond the stopper maintain air circulation for pressure equalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing zones act as intermediary elements between the grooved zones, preventing leakage while allowing the grooved zones to perform their pressure equalization function. The sealing zones mediate between the need for air circulation and the need to prevent leakage.
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 device ensures accurate sampling and injection by maintaining atmospheric pressure within the tube, minimizing leakage, and reducing the risk of operator injury through the use of sealing means and strategically designed grooves.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the inside of the tube to be placed at atmospheric pressure by the circulation of air between the outside and the inside of the tube thanks to the groove
Implementation Method 2
sealing means between the body and said outside surface of the needle
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling device includes a body, a needle, a sealing element and an element for feeding and removing a liquid. The needle has at least one groove located between the sealing element and the sampling end of the needle. The sampling end has a sampling hole opening out on a lateral wall of the end. The sampling device leakage problems encountered in the conventional art to be overcome while at the same time resolving the problems of placing the inside of a tube containing a product to be analyzed at atmospheric pressure.