Vapor Sampling Nozzle Assembly for Directional Remote Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable vapor detectors, such as the T-REX™ detector, suffer from limited detection range and non-directional vapor sampling, necessitating close proximity to the target, which compromises operator safety and detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optimized nozzle assembly for vapor detectors that uses a single pump to both aspirate and inject air through a fluidic network with multiple outlets, forming jets around the suction direction to enhance directional and extended vapor sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple tube and suction pump system is used for vapor sampling, then the device complexity is low, but the detection range is limited to a few centimeters and the sampling is non-directional
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into multiple functional components: a suction tube for vapor intake, a nozzle assembly with multiple outlets for jet generation, and a pump system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the nozzle creating focused jets that extend the detection range beyond the simple tube limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by employing a pump to generate pressurized gas jets through the nozzle. These jets create a directed flow field that transports vapors over longer distances, overcoming the passive diffusion limitation of simple tube systems and extending the detection range.
2Device complexity
If a simple tube and suction pump system is used for vapor sampling, then the device complexity is low, but the sampling directionality is poor and operator safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly concentrates the suction flow into specific directional jets rather than omnidirectional intake. This creates localized high-velocity flow paths that preferentially draw vapors from the target direction, improving directional sampling while allowing the operator to maintain a safer distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from simple linear tube sampling to three-dimensional jet flow patterns. Multiple nozzle outlets create a volumetric sampling zone that enhances directional capability and extends the effective sampling cone, improving both safety and detection capability.
3Quantity of substance
If aspiration through a simple tube is used, then the suction flow rate can be maintained, but the velocity decreases hyperbolically with distance and sampling dilutes the captured vapors
Solution Approach 1:
The pump pressurizes the gas before it exits the nozzle, creating high-velocity jets in advance. This preliminary pressurization and jet formation compensates for the velocity decay that would normally occur with distance, maintaining higher velocities over extended sampling ranges while preserving the suction flow rate.
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 optimized nozzle assembly significantly increases the detection range and accuracy of vapor sampling by confining airflow to the target area, enhancing operator safety and detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The detection of volatile compounds (or vapors) in a gaseous medium (usually air) is a major challenge... This type of detector works by aspirating the gaseous medium, which is in contact with the target to be analyzed, using a sampling system
Implementation Method 2
forming jets around the suction direction to enhance directional and extended vapor sampling
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 2c~3b
Figure 3c~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to an optimized assembly for detecting volatile compounds in a gaseous fluid, comprising a detector for detecting vapours by suction, equipped with a suction tube, and a vapour-sampling optimization device intended to be used in conjunction with the detector. The device comprises an end piece having a body equipped with a through-passage extending along an axis in a suction direction and intended to accept the suction tube, and with a fluidic network comprising an inlet and at least one outlet in fluidic communication with the inlet, the inlet and the at least one outlet between them defining a gaseous-fluid flow path; injection means, configured to inject the gaseous fluid into the fluidic network. This network is configured to form, when the gaseous fluid is injected into the endpiece via the inlet of the network, at least one jet of gaseous fluid which is ejected from the endpiece on either side of the suction direction .