Soil Sample Tube Design for Undisturbed Layer Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current soil sampling methods using auger buckets disrupt the natural structure of soil samples, mixing different vertical layers and complicating the analysis of soil characteristics and leachate testing, especially when suspensions are introduced.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a sample tube with removable and stationary sections, a fluid dispensing unit, and a collection unit for dispensing and collecting leachate, along with a soil layer extraction tool for precise extraction of soil layers, using a fluid dispenser with nanoparticle suspension and a magnetic stirring system to maintain sample integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an auger bucket is used to collect soil samples, then the sampling process is simplified and faster, but the natural structure of the soil sample is disrupted and different vertical layers are mixed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling speedVSAvoidsoil layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The soil sampling process is segmented into distinct functional components: the auger bucket for collection, the sample tube for preservation, and the extraction tool for analysis. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without disrupting the overall soil structure, enabling fast collection while maintaining layer integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sample tube acts as an intermediary between the auger bucket and the analysis tool. It receives the soil sample from the auger bucket and preserves the vertical layer structure during transport and storage, preventing mixing of different soil horizons while enabling subsequent analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the soil sample is moved to another container for suspension testing, then the testing can be performed, but the soil structure changes and natural passages are destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidsoil structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sample tube is designed with multi-functionality to serve as both a collection container and a testing chamber. It can accommodate suspension injection and leachate collection directly within the tube, eliminating the need to transfer the soil sample to another container and preserving the natural soil structure throughout the testing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of sample collection, structure preservation, and suspension testing are merged into a single integrated system. The sample tube combines the collection function with the testing function, allowing suspension to be injected and leachate to be collected without moving the soil sample, thereby maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If different vertical layers of soil are mixed during collection, then the sampling process is simpler, but the analysis of soil characteristics and leachate testing becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling simplicityVSAvoidsoil characteristic analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mixing the soil layers during collection and then trying to separate them for analysis, the system inverts the approach by preserving the layers in their natural vertical arrangement from collection through to analysis. The extraction tool is designed to retrieve specific layers from the preserved structure, making analysis simpler and more precise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables accurate and undisturbed extraction and analysis of soil layers and leachate, preserving the natural structure of the sample for precise nutrient and contaminant assessment, enhancing soil fertility and environmental monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic stirring system to maintain sample integrity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic stirring: Electromagnetic Stirring

Data Source

PatentUS12360018B1System and methods for observing soil samples

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 KUWAIT UNIV

AI summary

A system for obtaining a soil sample, dispensing liquid, such as a nanoparticle suspension, into the soil sample, collecting the resulting leachate, and extracting a soil layer from the obtained soil sample. A sample tube is used for obtaining and holding a soil sample, and includes a removable section and stationary section joined in sliding relation to each other. A fluid dispensing unit is configured to attach to the sample tube to dispense fluid through the soil sample and may include a magnetic stirrer, pump, and different flow rate configurations. A collection unit attaches to the sample tube and collects the resulting leachate. A soil layer extraction tool holds the sample tube, creates an opening in the sample tube exposing the soil sample, and extracts a layer of soil for analysis using extractor blades. The extractor blades include an upper blade and lower blade connected by a vertical blade.