Vacuum Sampling Device with Pivotal Door for Precise Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling methods for particulate materials, such as manual sampling and basic vacuum transport systems, fail to provide precise and repeatable discrete volume samples, especially in environments with restrictive conditions like temperature and airflow, and pose contamination and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A discrete volume vacuum sampling system featuring an inclined sample tube with a pivotal door that automatically closes during vacuum application and opens when the vacuum is released, ensuring precise sampling and discharge of excess material back into the bed, using a vacuum source connected to a sample container with a screen to prevent unwanted material entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sampling is used, then sampling flexibility is improved, but contamination risk and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling with an automated vacuum-based sampling system. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure to automatically draw sample material through a tube into a container, eliminating the need for operators to manually reach into the processing equipment while maintaining sampling flexibility through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum tube and container system as intermediaries between the sample source and the collection point. The vacuum tube acts as a sealed conduit that transports material without direct human contact, and the container provides a controlled environment for sample collection, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Extent of automation
If basic vacuum transfer system is used, then automated sampling is improved, but discrete volume precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flow meter that provides feedback on the volume of material being sampled. The flow meter measures the actual volume of sample material drawn through the tube, allowing the system to monitor and control the sampling process in real-time to achieve precise discrete volumes while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the vacuum pressure parameters and sampling time parameters to achieve precise discrete volumes. By adjusting the vacuum pressure level and the duration of sampling, the system can accurately control the volume of material collected, transforming the basic vacuum transfer into a precision sampling system.
3Extent of automation
If vacuum is applied to sample, then sampling automation is improved, but door control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spring mechanism as a counterweight to the door weight. The spring provides a constant force that balances the door's weight, allowing the door to remain stable in either open or closed position without requiring complex active control systems. This mechanical balance simplifies door control while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure differentials created by the vacuum system to control the door position. When vacuum is applied, the negative pressure helps close the door; when vacuum is released, atmospheric pressure helps open it. This pneumatic assistance reduces the complexity of mechanical door control mechanisms while maintaining automated operation.
4Quantity of substance
If vacuum is applied for extended period, then sample volume increases, but excess material discharge problem worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally applies vacuum for a slightly extended period to ensure complete sample collection, allowing the container to fill to the appropriate level. The system then automatically stops the vacuum operation at the optimal moment, preventing excessive material discharge while ensuring sufficient sample volume is collected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flow meter feedback to monitor the sampling process and determine when to stop the vacuum operation. The flow meter detects when the container has received sufficient material, allowing the system to automatically terminate the sampling process at the optimal point to prevent excess material discharge while ensuring adequate sample volume.
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
Enables precise, repeatable, and contamination-free sampling of particulate materials, addressing safety and precision concerns while maintaining process integrity by providing a simple and accurate method for obtaining discrete volume samples.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum tube is connected to the sample container and to a vacuum source. Upon actuation of the vacuum source, particles from the bed are drawn through the sample tube and deposited in the container.
Implementation Method 2
The container includes a pivotal door on the lower end which is automatically moved to a closed position by the negative pressure in the container when the vacuum is applied
Implementation Method 3
automatically moved to the open position by the weight of product in the container when the vacuum is released
Implementation Method 4
A screen at the upper end of the container or the lower end of the vacuum tube prevents products from being drawn into the vacuum tube
Data Source
AI summary
A discrete volume vacuum sampling device is provided with a vacuum tube, a sample tube, and a sample container. The container defines a discrete volume of product to be sampled from a product bed within a processing machine. The sampler tube extends between the container and the machine containing the product to be sampled. When a vacuum is applied through the vacuum tube, a door on the container is pulled shut, thereby increasing air velocity in the sampler tube, so as to draw product from the bed upwardly through the sampler tube and into the container. When the container is full, the vacuum is stopped, such that the weight of the product in the container pushes the door open for discharge of the discrete volume of product sample, while product remaining within the sampler tube is discharged back into the bed of material within the machine.