XRF Sample Bottle with Windowed Cap for Marine Fuel Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional XRF systems are not suitable for analyzing fuels and oils on marine vessels due to the risk of sample spillage and breakage, which can damage sensitive components, and lack a design for integrated sample collection, transport, and storage.
Innovation Solution
A rugged XRF system featuring a sample bottle with a windowed cap for analysis and a regular cap for transport and storage, positioned horizontally within a sample bottle holder that includes a tray to catch spills, using a Kapton film window for x-ray transmission and a radiused capture feature for secure interlocking, allowing for a single container to handle all processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cup is used to hold the sample in conventional XRF systems, then the sample can be analyzed, but the cup may tip and break causing sample spillage that damages sensitive components
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container is segmented into a bottle body and a separate cap assembly. The cap is further segmented into a windowed cap for analysis and a regular cap for transport. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, with the bottle providing secure containment and the caps providing protective coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a tray positioned beneath the sample bottle holder that catches any potential sample spillage before it can reach and damage sensitive components like the x-ray source and detector. This beforehand cushioning prevents harmful effects without interfering with normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If a single container is used for collection, transport, and storage, then convenience is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample bottle is designed as a universal container that performs multiple functions: collection, transport, storage, and analysis. The bottle body serves all these purposes, while the interchangeable caps provide specialized functionality for different stages of the sample lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is designed to nest onto the bottle opening, with the windowed cap and regular cap both fitting the same bottle interface. This nesting design allows a single bottle to accommodate multiple cap types without increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the sample bottle is positioned vertically, then gravity helps contain the sample, but spillage still can occur and the design is less ergonomic for horizontal analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The tray positioned beneath the horizontally-oriented sample bottle holder provides a catchment surface for any potential spillage. This beforehand cushioning allows the bottle to be positioned horizontally for ergonomic analysis without risking damage to sensitive components, as any spillage is contained by the tray.
4Productivity
If a windowed cap is used for analysis, then x-ray transmission is enabled, but the cap must be removed or replaced for secure transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The cap system is segmented into a windowed cap for analysis and a regular cap for transport and storage. Both caps fit the same bottle interface, allowing easy replacement between modes without requiring complex mechanisms or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottle is designed with a universal opening that accepts both the windowed cap and the regular cap. This universality allows the same bottle to be used for both analysis (with windowed cap) and secure transport/storage (with regular cap) without requiring different bottles or complex conversion mechanisms.
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 system prevents spillage from damaging sensitive components, enables single-container sample analysis, transport, and storage, and is more ergonomic and robust, suitable for use on marine vessels and other environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first cap with the window therein for allowing x-rays to pass there through when the sample bottle is positioned in the holder
Data Source
AI summary
An XRF system including an analyzer with a sample bottle holder, an x-ray source positioned to emit x-rays into a sample bottle placed in the holder, and a detector positioned to receive x-rays emitted by a sample in the sample bottle positioned in the sample bottle holder. A supply of sample bottles receivable in the sample bottle holder, each sample bottle including a first cap with the window therein for allowing x-rays to pass there through when the sample bottle is positioned in the holder, and a second cap without a window for transporting and storing the sample.