Hand-Held Trace Particle Sampling System with Impaction Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held trace particle sampling systems often fail to collect and concentrate trace samples sufficiently, leading to non-detect events due to insufficient sample delivery for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held trace particle detection system featuring a particle impact device with an intake manifold and a combined deposition and deflection apparatus that facilitates a pressure and velocity profile for sample collection, along with an air jet impingement manifold to dislodge samples, ensuring sufficient sample concentration for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hand-held trace particle sampling systems are used, then portability is maintained, but sample collection and concentration capability is insufficient leading to non-detect events
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into functionally distinct modules: an impactor assembly for particle collection, a concentration chamber for sample enrichment, and a detector. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall portability. The impactor collects particles on a surface, the concentration chamber enriches the sample by removing air, and the detector analyzes the concentrated sample, thereby achieving sufficient sample concentration without sacrificing portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs pneumatic principles using a pump to generate airflow that passes through the impactor and concentration chamber. The pump creates a pressure differential that draws particles onto the impactor surface and then through the concentration chamber where they are enriched. This pneumatic mechanism enables effective sample collection and concentration while maintaining a compact, portable design suitable for field operations.
2Quantity of substance
If sample collection area is increased to improve detection capability, then sample concentration improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impactor assembly and concentration chamber are merged into a single integrated unit with a streamlined airflow path. The impactor surface is positioned such that particles collected there are directly subjected to the concentration chamber's airflow, eliminating the need for separate collection and concentration stages. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining effective sample concentration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentration chamber serves multiple functions: it concentrates particles collected by the impactor, conditions the airflow for the detector, and houses the detector assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining or improving sample concentration effectiveness.
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 system effectively collects and concentrates trace samples, significantly reducing non-detect events by ensuring sufficient sample delivery for analysis, thereby enhancing detection accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The deposition and deflection surface is configured to deflect a fluid stream and collect at least a portion of particles entrained in the fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
impinging at least a portion of the trace sample on the combined deposition and deflection apparatus
Implementation Method 3
The first transport area is greater than the second transport area
Implementation Method 4
channeling a fluid stream including the trace sample through an intake manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A particle impact device for a hand-held trace particle detection system includes an intake manifold that includes a first conduit defining an intake port. The intake port defines a first transport area. The intake manifold also includes a second conduit coupled to the first conduit. The second conduit defines a discharge port that defines a second transport area. The first transport area is greater than the second transport area. The particle impact device also includes a combined deposition and deflection apparatus positioned downstream of the discharge port. The combined deposition and deflection apparatus defines a deposition and deflection surface positioned a predetermined distance from the discharge port. The deposition and deflection surface is configured to deflect a fluid stream and collect at least a portion of particles entrained in the fluid stream.