Syringe Air Sampling With Controlled Vacuum and Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air sampling methods face challenges in consistently delivering a pulling force for effective sampling, often requiring inconvenient pumps that can fail or manual effort, and struggle with determining the collected volume, leading to inconsistent and labor-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device featuring a syringe mechanism with a lever and clamp system that creates a controlled vacuum force, combined with a restrictor to regulate flow rate and volume, ensuring stable and accurate sample collection without manual strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is used to extract air through the sorbent tube, then the sampling process can be performed without pumps, but the pulling force becomes inconsistent and requires user exhaustion or fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe device is configured to automatically generate and maintain the pulling force through its mechanical structure, eliminating the need for continuous manual effort. The user simply needs to pull the plunger to the desired volume mark, and the syringe maintains the vacuum seal and pulling force throughout the sampling period without requiring user exhaustion or fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of manual pumping with a simple syringe-based mechanical system. The syringe's plunger and barrel configuration provides a reliable, consistent pulling force through pure mechanical means, eliminating the need for electronic pumps while ensuring reliable and consistent air extraction through the sorbent tube.
2Reliability
If pumps are used to deliver pulling force for air sampling, then effective sampling can be achieved, but the pumps become inconvenient and may fail over time
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe device functions as a simple, disposable, or easily replaceable component that eliminates the need for complex, expensive, and maintenance-prone pumps. The syringe can be quickly replaced if needed, and its simple mechanical construction means there are no electronic components to fail, making it both reliable and convenient for field sampling operations.
3Device complexity
If manual sampling is performed without volume measurement tools, then the sampling process is simple, but it becomes difficult to determine the volume obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the vacuum seal, generates the pulling force, and provides precise volume measurement through its graduated markings. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate measurement tools while maintaining simplicity in the overall sampling device configuration.
4Measurement precision
If a restrictor is added to regulate flow rate and volume, then accurate sample collection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor is integrated into the sample train configuration rather than being a separate, complex flow control device. By combining the restrictor function with the existing syringe and sorbent tube assembly, the patent achieves accurate flow rate and volume regulation without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The restrictor works in conjunction with the syringe's vacuum seal to provide precise control.
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 efficient, consistent, and accurate air sampling by maintaining a controlled vacuum force and flow rate, adhering to EPA standards, reducing user effort and ensuring precise volume collection.
Implementation Method 1
a restrictor defining an orifice to regulate flow rate and volume of a desired sample entering the sampling component
Implementation Method 2
The lever is configured to create a pulling force on the sampling component. The pulling force can be a vacuum force.
Implementation Method 3
thermal desorption tubes or sorbent tubes are often used for capturing contaminants in air
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling device for assisting with an air sampling process that includes a base forming a channel configured for fitting a syringe. The syringe includes a plunger within a barrel and a hub configured to extend out from the base to access a sorbent tube. A lever is provided that is configured to initiate movement of the plunger. A clamp is connected to the lever and positioned within the channel. The clamp is configured to secure a flange and pull the plunger back when the lever is moved back. A guide bridge extends from a front end of the base and forms an opening for the syringe within the channel and limits undesired movement and/or displacement during use. A restrictor is configured to connect to the sorbent tube and defines an orifice to limit the volume and flow rate of sample being pulled into the sorbent tube.