Discrete Soil Sampler Core Barrel for Contamination-Free Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil sampling techniques often result in non-representative samples, leading to improper fertilizer application and environmental impact, and lack efficiency in obtaining below-ground samples for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A discrete soil sampler with a sample core barrel, soil cutting shoe, and threaded sample drive rod, which allows for direct soil sampling without extruder rods, ensuring precise collection and retention of soil samples without contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional soil sampling techniques are used, then sampling can be performed with simple equipment, but the samples obtained are not representative of the field and may be contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is divided into distinct functional segments: a drive rod for penetration, a core barrel for sample containment, and a cutting shoe for soil separation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, ensuring representative sampling while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The core barrel acts as an intermediary between the drive rod and the soil sample. It contains the sample during penetration and provides a controlled environment that prevents contamination, thereby improving sample representativeness without requiring complex external containment systems.
2Productivity
If extruder rods are used to retrieve soil samples, then samples can be obtained from depth, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sample is extracted directly from the ground through the core barrel without requiring separate extrusion mechanisms. The core barrel itself serves as both the sampling and retrieval mechanism, eliminating the need for additional extruder rods and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of sample collection, containment, and retrieval are merged into a single integrated core barrel assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate extruder rods and multiple operational steps, thereby increasing productivity while reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional sampling methods are used, then equipment is simpler, but sample integrity is compromised and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The core barrel provides a protective shell that encloses the soil sample during penetration and retrieval. This shell structure maintains sample integrity by preventing contamination from external sources while allowing the sample to be retrieved intact from depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The core barrel is prepared in advance with the cutting shoe attached, creating a pre-assembled sampling unit. This preliminary preparation ensures that the sample collection mechanism is ready to maintain sample integrity from the moment of soil contact, eliminating the need for post-sampling protection measures.
4Measurement precision
If multiple operations are required for soil sampling, then comprehensive samples can be obtained, but the process takes more time and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sampling operations are merged into a single continuous action. The drive rod penetrates the soil while the core barrel simultaneously collects and contains the sample, eliminating the need for separate penetration, sampling, and retrieval operations and thereby reducing total sampling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling process maintains continuous useful action throughout penetration. As the drive rod advances into the soil, the core barrel continuously collects the sample without interruption, ensuring comprehensive sampling while minimizing the time the device is in operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An example discrete soil sampler includes a sample core barrel and a soil cutting shoe connected to the driving end of the sample core barrel. The example discrete soil sampler also includes a collection tube attached to the second end of the soil cutting shoe for inserting into the cylinder body of the sample core barrel when the soil cutting shoe is attached to the driving end of the sample core barrel. The example discrete soil sampler also includes a sample drive rod having a pointed end. The sample drive rod is movable through the cylinder body of the sample core barrel until the pointed end extends out through an opening formed through the cutting edge of the soil cutting shoe. The sample drive rod is retracted and the sample core barrel drilled down further to obtain the soil sample.