Self-Sealing Atmospheric Sample Cartridge with Integrated Memory
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable atmospheric samplers face challenges in decontamination without damaging the sample, risk of sample contamination, and lack of integrated data storage for environmental conditions during sampling.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing sample cartridge with automatic closure ports and integrated memory for storing sample data, used within a portable sampler that includes a pump and processor for collecting and analyzing atmospheric samples, allowing for secure sample storage and data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sampler is decontaminated after sample collection, then the sampler can be reused for subsequent sampling, but the collected sample may be destroyed or contaminated by decontamination agents
Solution Approach 1:
The sampler is divided into separable components: a reusable sampler body and a disposable sample collection cartridge. The cartridge contains the collected sample and can be removed intact, allowing the sampler body to be decontaminated without exposing the sample to decontamination agents. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling sampler reuse while preserving sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collection function is extracted into a separate removable cartridge that can be taken out from the sampler body. This allows the sample to be isolated from the sampler during decontamination processes, enabling the sampler to be cleaned and reused without compromising the sample's integrity or exposing it to harmful decontamination agents.
2Reliability
If the sample storage location is not properly sealed, then the sampler structure remains simple, but the sample is subject to contamination from other sources
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collection cartridge is designed as a disposable component that is pre-sealed and discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex reusable sealing mechanisms while ensuring sample protection from contamination. The cartridge's disposable nature allows for simple yet effective sealing without worrying about repeated sealing cycles or mechanism complexity.
3Loss of information
If separate recording of sample information is required, then the sampler structure remains simple, but the information may not be properly recorded or correlated to the correct sample
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage capability is merged directly into the sample collection cartridge. Environmental sensors, memory storage, and sample identification features are integrated into the cartridge itself, ensuring that all sample-related information is automatically recorded and correlated with the correct sample. This eliminates manual recording errors and ensures data integrity without requiring complex external recording systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.