Variable Soil Sampling Device with Interlocking Sorbent Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soil gas sampling methods are limited in their ability to efficiently collect multiple target components simultaneously due to fixed sampling conditions and permeability, making it difficult to optimize sampling for various contaminants in a single sampling probe.
Innovation Solution
A variable sampling device with a removable barrier door and interlocking mechanism allows for customization of sorbent materials and permeability, enabling the simultaneous collection of multiple target components by attaching multiple devices with different sorbents and permeabilities, which can be connected end-to-end and placed in narrow spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sampling probe with fixed sampling conditions is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to sample multiple target components with different ideal sampling conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into multiple separate sampling probes, each optimized for specific target components. Each probe can be independently configured with appropriate sorbent materials and permeability settings, allowing simultaneous sampling of multiple components with different ideal sampling conditions without requiring a single complex multi-functional probe
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system achieves multi-functionality through a standardized connector design that allows different specialized probes to be attached to the same sampling platform. This universal interface enables the system to sample various target components (VOCs, semi-volatiles, particulates) using multiple probes with different configurations, effectively making the overall system versatile without requiring each individual probe to be complex
2Productivity
If multiple different target components are sampled in a single soil site, then the productivity of sampling is improved, but the device complexity increases due to need for multiple probes with different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple specialized sampling probes are combined into a single integrated sampling assembly through standardized connectors. The probes are attached to a common platform that allows simultaneous deployment into the soil matrix, enabling efficient multi-component sampling while maintaining relatively simple individual probe designs. The combination achieves high productivity without proportionally increasing the complexity of each individual device
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sampling a single target component in one dimension to sampling multiple components simultaneously by adding dimensional diversity through multiple probes. Each probe targets specific components (e.g., volatile organics, semi-volatiles, particulates) and can be positioned at different depths or orientations, effectively sampling across multiple dimensions of the soil environment in parallel
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
This approach allows for efficient and versatile sampling of various environmental contaminants in a single sampling period, improving the accuracy and versatility of soil gas measurements by varying sorbents and permeability settings.
Implementation Method 1
Passive sampling may be accomplished by exposing a sorbent material to the soil environment to be sampled and allowing gas samples to be collected over time
Implementation Method 2
the permeability of the housing in which it is enclosed all play an important role in determining accuracy of soil gas measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a variable soil sampling device which may be customized with respect to sampling rate and sorbent material used. Multiple variable sampling devices may be attached to each other to simultaneously sample different components or contaminants in the same time period.