Water Sampler with Weighted Buoyancy Control and Dual-Stopper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual water samplers face challenges in collecting deep water samples accurately due to buoyancy issues and difficulty in maintaining the container open at the desired depth, leading to mixed samples and inadequate temperature measurement.
Innovation Solution
A water sampler design featuring a container with a weight to prevent buoyancy, a dual-stopper mechanism for manual control of the container opening, and a thermometer for real-time temperature measurement, allowing for selective sampling in different containers based on sample characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional manual water sampler uses a stopper connected to a string for manual operation, then the device can be operated without additional power, but the water sampler cannot withstand the pulling force and moves up, making it difficult to collect water at the desired depth
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a sampling container, a stopper mechanism, and a weight system. The stopper is segmented from the container body and connected via a string, allowing independent operation of the opening/closing function while the weight remains fixed to maintain depth position.
Solution Approach 2:
A weight is attached to the lower end of the container to counteract the buoyancy force. This counterweight system prevents the entire sampler from rising when the stopper string is pulled, allowing the operator to open the container without losing depth control.
2Productivity
If the stopper is opened to collect samples, then water can be collected, but the container remains open until raised above water, causing water to be mixed and collected at various depths
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is pre-positioned to seal the container opening before deployment. The string mechanism is prepared in advance so that when the sampler reaches the desired depth, the operator can quickly open the container without it accidentally opening earlier, ensuring samples are collected only at the target depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper mechanism transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic controllable state. The string-connected stopper allows the operator to dynamically open the container at the precise moment the sampler reaches the desired depth, controlling when sample collection begins and ends.
3Device complexity
If a single body container is used, then the device structure is simple, but it is inconvenient to conduct water quality tests requiring different container materials
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is segmented into a reusable outer container and interchangeable inner containers. The inner containers can be made of different materials (glass, plastic, metal) depending on the specific water quality test requirements, while the outer container and mechanism remain the same.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer container serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the stopper mechanism, and can accommodate different types of inner containers. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple sampling tasks with different material requirements.
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 accurate and controlled water sampling at desired depths without additional power, prevents sample mixing, and allows for immediate temperature measurement, facilitating precise water quality assessments.
Implementation Method 1
it is difficult to collect deep water by buoyancy
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member installed between the first upper plate and the second upper plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a water sampler comprising: a container which is open at the top thereof; a first stopper which comprises a first upper plate and a first wall and has a drain outlet; a second stopper which comprises a second upper plate and a second wall; an elastic member which is disposed between the first upper plate and the second upper plate; a weight which is disposed at the bottom of the container; and a fixing member to which a second rope is connected, whereby water sampling and temperature measurement can be easily and accurately performed at a desired water depth without limitations on measurement items.