Surface Sampling Device Segmented Removal Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface sampling devices face challenges with strong adhesion to surfaces, leading to residue issues and reduced efficiency due to the need for manual removal, which can be hazardous and time-consuming, especially in industrial environments with difficult-to-reach areas.

Innovation Solution

A surface sampling device with a removal device integrated into the material layer, featuring a lower adhesion surface portion and a layer with higher cohesion than the material layer, allowing for easier detachment without damaging sensitive surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strong adhesive is used to ensure sufficient adhesion between the device and test surface, then the device can be firmly fixed and prevent leakage, but the device becomes difficult to remove from the surface and leaves residues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidremoval difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a test surface contact portion and a removal portion. The removal portion extends beyond the boundary of the test surface contact portion and is designed with lower adhesion to the surface, allowing operators to grasp and pull the device off the surface without leaving residues on the test surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the device have different adhesive properties. The test surface contact portion uses strong adhesive to ensure firm fixation and prevent leakage, while the removal portion uses material with lower surface adhesion to facilitate easy removal without leaving residues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the device is removed quickly after testing to reduce adhesion effects, then residue is minimized, but the time available for documentation and photography is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidue formationVSAvoiddocumentation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the test surface contact function from the removal function. The removal portion extends beyond the test surface boundary, providing a dedicated gripping area that allows operators to remove the device quickly without worrying about residue on the test surface, thus maintaining documentation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-generated harmful factors

If manual removal procedures (knife, solvent, sandblasting) are used to remove residues, then the surface is cleaned, but the process is time-consuming and may damage sensitive surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface residueVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs its own removal function through the integrated removal portion. The removal portion is designed with lower adhesion to surfaces, allowing the device to be pulled off cleanly without requiring external cleaning tools or procedures. This eliminates the need for knives, solvents, or sandblasting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If operators work in difficult-to-reach areas (vertical surfaces, confined spaces), then surface sampling can be performed on complex geometries, but operator safety risk increases due to need for secure positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface accessibilityVSAvoidoperator safety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the test surface contact area from the removal gripping area. The removal portion extending beyond the test surface boundary provides a dedicated handle area that allows operators to maintain a secure grip when working in difficult-to-reach areas, reducing the need to rely solely on holding onto scaffolding or ladders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables safer, more efficient, and versatile surface sampling by reducing the risk of residue left on surfaces, improving operational safety and efficiency, and allowing for the use of stronger adhesives without the need for solvent or sandblasting.

Implementation Method 1

a protective layer (3) arranged on the surface portion (2c) of the material layer (2) by an adhesive (4) arranged on the material layer (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the removal surface portion (12a) is adapted to provide a lower adhesion against the surface compared to the adhesive (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

a layer (13) arranged intermediate the adhesive (4) and the material layer (2), wherein the layer (13) is made of a material having a higher cohesion than the material layer (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCohesion: Cohesion

Data Source

PatentEP3479093B1Device for surface sampling with removal device
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 EXPERTUS KEMITEKNIK
  • EP3479093B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1'
  • EP3479093B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3479093B1 patent drawingFigure 2e~2g

AI summary

Device (1) for surface sampling, comprising: a material layer (2) comprising a surface portion (2c) and a circumferential edge portion (2d) defining the boundary of the surface portion (2c), further comprising a sampling volume (2a), wherein the sampling volume (2a) is adapted to comprise a filler device (2b) for filling out the sampling volume (2a), a protective layer (3) arranged on the surface portion (2c) of the material layer (2) by an adhesive (4) arranged on the surface portion (2c) of the material layer (2), wherein the device(1) further comprises a removal device (12), wherein the removal device (12) is fixedly arranged to the material layer (2), wherein the removal device (12) further comprising a removal surface portion (12a), wherein the removal surface portion (12a) is adapted to provide a lower adhesion against a surface compared to the adhesive (4), wherein the removal surface portion (12a) is facing essentially the same direction as the surface portion (2c).