Variable Volume Capture Device for Precise Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for chemical analysis, such as syringes and burettes, face inefficiencies in sample change-over, cross contamination, and air bubble removal, limiting their ability to capture and deliver representative and exact variable volumes of liquid for online chemical analysis.
Innovation Solution
A variable volume capture device utilizing a linear actuator with adjustable stroke length and valves for precise fluid control, allowing for efficient sample capture, flushing, air expulsion, and dispensing, with adaptable syringe and barrel sizes for various sample volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a syringe is used for sample capture and dispensing, then precise volume control is achieved, but sample change-over is inefficient and cross contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe system is divided into separable components: a removable syringe barrel and a reusable drive mechanism. This allows the syringe to be quickly exchanged between samples while maintaining precise volumetric control through the consistent mechanical drive system, resolving the contradiction between precision and change-over efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The sample-containing syringe barrel is extracted and replaced between measurements, while the drive mechanism remains stationary. This extraction principle enables complete sample change-over without moving the entire system, improving efficiency while preserving the precision of the original syringe design
2Productivity
If the syringe is oriented downward to facilitate drainage, then sample change-over efficiency is improved, but air-purging capability is defeated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of orienting the syringe downward for drainage, the system inverts the approach by using upward orientation with controlled flow paths that enable both air purging and efficient sample change-over through the valve-controlled fluidic system
Solution Approach 2:
Valves are introduced as intermediary components that mediate between the syringe and the external environment, controlling fluid flow direction to achieve both air purging and efficient drainage without compromising either function
3Ease of operation
If a fixed volume syringe is used, then simple operation is achieved, but variable sample volume selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe system transitions from fixed volume to variable volume capability through dynamic adjustment mechanisms. The syringe barrel can be configured with different volumes or the plunger position can be adjusted dynamically, allowing variable sample selection while maintaining simple operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The volume parameter of the syringe is made variable rather than fixed. This is achieved through adjustable plunger positions, interchangeable barrels of different volumes, or programmable drive mechanisms that can dispense any volume within the syringe's capacity, enhancing versatility without complicating operation
Data Source
AI summary
Improvements in a variable volume capture device are disclosed to capture a variable amount of sample. The variable amount is controlled by a linear actuator that produces a variable and adjustable stroke length that capture the programmed amount of fluid in the syringe barrel. Air or other supernatant fluid can be separated and expelled at this point. The captured fluid is then dispensed out of the syringe barrel for further testing and analysis. The capture device is then able to drain or flush the sample. Valves located on each side of the syringe barrel allow for sample collecting, dispensing and draining to ensure that the capture device is free to collect new samples. The variable volume capture device can have changeable syringe and barrel diameters and lengths to accommodate larger or smaller ranges of samples.