Soil Sampling Tube Analysis for Undisturbed Geological Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining geological information from soil samples face challenges in preserving the sample's integrity during transport and analysis, leading to moisture distribution and sample disturbance, which increases costs and reduces accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A soil sampling method involving a tube with a cutaway portion, where insertion force is registered, and elements are analyzed at discrete positions using LIBS and Raman spectroscopy, combined with insertion depth data, to maintain sample integrity and allow on-site analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the soil sampling tube is transported off site to a laboratory, then the soil sample can be analyzed, but the soil sample becomes disturbed and moisture distributes evenly through the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the elemental analysis immediately at the site where the soil sample is collected, before the sample can be transported and potentially disturbed. The analyzing means is integrated with the sampling tube, allowing the soil sample to be analyzed in situ while it is still in its original geological context, preventing moisture redistribution and maintaining sample integrity throughout the analysis process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by integrating the analyzing means directly with the sampling tube structure. This intermediary system allows the soil sample to remain in its sampling tube during analysis, avoiding the need to remove it from its protective context. The cutaway portion of the tube serves as an intermediary window through which the analyzing means can detect elements without disturbing the sample's original state.
2Productivity
If multiple soil sampling tubes are used to retrieve multiple soil samples, then more geological information can be obtained, but the transportation costs and equipment requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single integrated system that combines multiple functions: the sampling tube serves both as the collection container and as the analysis platform. The analyzing means is built into the tube structure, allowing the same device used for sampling to also perform elemental analysis. This eliminates the need for separate transportation and conditioning equipment for each sample, as all analysis occurs at the collection site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sampling function and analysis function into a single integrated system. The analyzing means is combined with the sampling tube structure, creating a unified device that performs both soil collection and elemental detection. This consolidation reduces the number of separate pieces of equipment needed and eliminates complex transportation requirements for multiple sampling tubes and associated conditioning gear.
3Measurement precision
If the soil sample is removed from the sampling tube for analysis, then the analysis can be performed, but the sample is completely disturbed and loses its original structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the sampling tube itself as an intermediary medium that allows analysis without sample removal. The cutaway portion of the tube serves as a window through which the analyzing means can detect elements in the soil sample while it remains contained within the tube. This intermediary approach enables elemental analysis to be performed on the sample in its original structural context, preventing the complete disturbance that would occur if the sample were removed and reconstituted in a laboratory.
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
Ensures undisturbed soil samples with accurate elemental analysis, reducing transportation costs and enabling rapid, precise geological mapping.
Implementation Method 1
the soil sample is analyzed at discrete positions by a laser induced breakdown spectroscope (LIBS) to determine the elements in the soil sample
Implementation Method 2
the elements in the soil sample are analyzed using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and/or Raman spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for obtaining geological information of a soil sample includingproviding a soil sampling tube having a tip portion, a top portion positioned opposite the tip portion and along the length, between the tip portion and the top portion, a cutaway portion extending along a substantial part of the length of the tube;inserting the soil sampling tube into the ground to a predefined depth, while registering the insertion force in combination with the insertion depth of the tip portion;while retracting the soil sampling tube with a soil sample out of the ground, analyzing the elements in the soil sample at discrete positions starting adjacent to the top portion end and moving towards the tip portion end of the soil sample tube;and combining the analyzing results per discrete position starting adjacent to the top portion end and moving towards the tip portion end with the registered insertion force for the insertion depth of the tip portion starting from-the insertion to the predefined depth.