Systems, methods, and devices for determining concentration of target gas

Abstract

A system for determining a concentration of a target gas is disclosed. The system includes a sensing chamber including at least one sampling bag configured to receive a target gas. Further, the test paper module has at least one test paper configured to change color based at least on the concentration of the target gas. A detection device operatively coupled to a sensing chamber includes a housing having at least one test chamber configured to receive the test paper module. Further, the at least one controller is configured to facilitate flow of the target gas through the test paper module by actuating the at least one pump. The flow of the target gas facilitates a change in color of the at least one test paper. In addition, the concentration of the target gas is determined via at least one detector based on the color change of the at least one test sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the detection of target gas concentrations. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and systems for determining the concentrations of respiratory gases. Background Art

[0002] Many respiratory gases are present in the atmosphere and are also produced in the human body. Respiratory gases (such as oxygen, nitric oxide and carbon dioxide) regulate blood pressure, transmit signals between neurons and inhibit pathogens. The excessive production of these gases causes many problems. For example, excessive NO gas may be harmful to the human body. High concentrations of NO gas in the human body may damage host cells, cause neurotoxicity during a stroke, and may also cause hypotension. On the other hand, low levels of NO gas may affect blood circulation, thereby causing high blood pressure, poor eyesight, fatigue, memory loss, etc. Therefore, regular monitoring of these gases is a necessary measure to ensure the ideal function of the human body. Many devices and systems are widely used on the market to monitor the concentration of respiratory gases. However, available solutions do not allow samples of these gases to be easily collected from users, they do not provide accurate concentration levels and require external interference to carry out concentration detection of respiratory gases.

[0003] Applicants have recognized various problems and challenges associated with current solutions for measuring the concentration of NO gas. However, due to creativity, hard work, and innovation, the present disclosure has solved many of these problems through its methods and apparatus. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview and is neither intended to identify key or important elements nor to delineate the scope of these elements. Its purpose is to provide some ideas of the described features in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that will be given later.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a detection device is disclosed. The detection device includes a housing having at least one test chamber, wherein the at least one test chamber is configured to receive a test paper module having at least one test paper. In addition, a pressing block within the housing is configured to convey a flow of target gas from the test paper module to the pressing block. The flow of target gas promotes the target gas to penetrate the at least one test paper and change the color of the at least one test paper. In addition, at least one detector is configured to monitor the color change of the at least one test paper. In addition, at least one controller is communicatively coupled to the at least one detector and is configured to determine the concentration of the target gas based at least on the color change of the at least one test paper.

[0006] In some embodiments, the housing is manufactured to have at least one slot for inserting a test paper module into at least one test chamber. In addition, the slot further includes at least one locking unit configured to securely couple the test paper module to the at least one slot.

[0007] In some embodiments, the housing further comprises at least one pump fluidically coupled to the push block via a second tube. Furthermore, at least one pushing mechanism is coupled to the push block via the push block. Furthermore, upon activation of the detection device, the at least one pushing mechanism is actuated upon receiving a command from the at least one controller, which in turn causes the push block to linearly extend to vertically actuate the push block and position it on the at least one test paper. Furthermore, upon positioning the push block on the at least one test paper, the at least one pump is actuated to facilitate the flow of the target gas, thereby facilitating a color change on the at least one test paper.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing further comprises at least one lighting device positioned proximate to the at least one detector and coupled to the at least one controller. The at least one lighting device is configured to illuminate the at least one test paper to facilitate the at least one detector in monitoring a color change of the at least one test paper. Furthermore, the at least one lighting device comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) lamp.

[0009] In some embodiments, the housing is enclosed with a cover, the cover including a power button configured to facilitate the delivery of power to the detection device. Additionally, at least one results screen is configured to display the concentration of the target gas to a user.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pressing block further comprises a channel configured to facilitate the flow of the target gas within the pressing block. Furthermore, a sealing gasket is configured to seal the channel to prevent leakage of the target gas flowing between the test paper module and the pressing block. The pressing block is further coupled to a spring configured to retract the pressing block from an initial position when determining the concentration of the target gas.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes: forming a channel between a sensing chamber and a detection device via a pressing block to facilitate the flow of a target gas. Furthermore, facilitating the flow of the target gas through the channel between the sensing chamber and the detection device via at least one pump. Furthermore, monitoring a color change of at least one test paper via at least one detector. Furthermore, determining a concentration of the target gas via at least one controller based at least on the color change of the at least one test paper.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: actuating the pressing block via at least one pushing mechanism to facilitate translational movement of the pressing block. Furthermore, the pushing block presses the pressing block to align the pressing block with the at least one test paper to facilitate flow of the target gas through the at least one test paper.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, a system is disclosed. The system includes a sensing chamber comprising at least one sampling bag configured to receive a target gas. In addition, a test paper module has at least one test paper configured to change color based at least on the concentration of the target gas. In addition, the system includes a detection device operatively coupled to the sensing chamber, the detection device comprising a housing having at least one test chamber configured to receive the test paper module. In addition, at least one controller is configured to promote the flow of the target gas through the test paper module by actuating at least one pump. The flow of the target gas promotes a change in the color of the at least one test paper. In addition, the concentration of the target gas is determined via at least one detector based at least on the change in color of the at least one test paper.

[0014] In some embodiments, the test paper module further comprises a gas channel configured to transport the target gas from the at least one sampling bag to the at least one test paper. Furthermore, the gas channel is fluidly coupled to the at least one sampling bag via a first tube to facilitate flow of the target gas from the at least one sampling bag to the at least one test paper.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing further comprises at least one pushing mechanism coupled to the pressing block via the pushing block. Furthermore, at least one lighting device is positioned adjacent to the at least one detector and configured to illuminate the at least one test paper to facilitate the at least one detector in detecting a color change of the at least one test paper.

[0016] In some embodiments, the at least one lighting device comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) lamp.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing is enclosed by a lid. The lid includes a power button configured to facilitate power delivery to the detection device. Furthermore, an on / off button is configured to activate or deactivate the detection device. Furthermore, at least one results screen is configured to display the concentration of the target gas to a user.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pressing block includes a channel configured to facilitate flow of the target gas from the pressing block to the at least one pump. Furthermore, a sealing gasket is configured to seal the channel to prevent leakage of the target gas flowing between the test paper module and the pressing block.

[0019] In some embodiments, the at least one controller is electrically coupled to at least one results screen configured to display the determined concentration of the target gas to a user.

[0020] The above summary of the invention is provided only to summarize some exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be interpreted as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present invention in any way. It should be understood that the scope of the present invention includes many potential embodiments in addition to those summarized here, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Having thus generally described certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0022] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a sensing chamber according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 1B is an exploded view of a test paper module of a sensing chamber according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a detection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2B shows an internal view of a detection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3A FIG4 shows the connection between the test paper module and the detection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3B shows the interlocking of gas channels within a groove according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4A 1. shows the horizontal movement of the push block relative to the press block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4B shows the vertical movement of the pressing block achieved by the pushing block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5A shows a position of a pressing block relative to at least one test paper before the pressing block is pushed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5B shows a position of a pressing block relative to at least one test paper after the pressing block is pushed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5C shows the flow of target gas from the sensing chamber to the detection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 shows monitoring of color changes of at least one test paper by at least one detector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8A -C shows the retraction of the pressing block by at least one pushing mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0036] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a method for determining the concentration of a target gas according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As discussed herein, devices, systems, and methods can be used to measure the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) gas in a sample.

[0038] The components shown in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in the various embodiments of the present invention described herein, such that an embodiment may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures without departing from the scope of the present invention. For visibility of the components below, some components may be omitted from one or more figures or shown in dashed lines.

[0039] The present disclosure provides various embodiments for measuring and determining the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) gas from a target gas taken from a human. Embodiments disclose a detection device, method, and system comprising a sensing chamber and a detection device that are detachably connected to each other. The sensing chamber is configured to collect NO gas and deliver it to the detection device, which in turn monitors the concentration of NO gas and displays it to a user. This method and system can be used in the medical field, such as hospitals, laboratories, homes, etc., to easily, quickly, and accurately detect the concentration of NO gas.

[0040] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a sensing chamber 100 having at least one sampling bag 102 attached to a test paper module 104 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B FIG is an exploded view of the test paper module 104 of the sensing chamber 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B To describe Figure 1A .

[0041] In some embodiments, the sensing chamber 100 may include at least one sampling bag 102 and a test paper module 104. At least one sampling bag 102 may be configured to receive a target gas from a user. It may be noted that the target gas may include, but is not limited to, nitric oxide (NO) gas, oxygen (O2), or carbon dioxide (CO2). In some other embodiments, the target gas may be received from other sources and the surrounding environment, such as a clean room, an operating room, etc. In addition, at least one sampling bag 102 may be made of an elastic material selected from, but not limited to, rubber, nylon, or plastic. In some embodiments, at least one sampling bag 102 may be manufactured with at least one nozzle 106, which may provide a passage to fill the target gas inside the at least one sampling bag 102. In some embodiments, at least one nozzle 106 may be a leak-proof nozzle. For example, at least one nozzle 106 may include a one-way valve or a check valve that allows gas to be received from a user while not allowing gas to be released or leaked from the sampling bag 102.

[0042] In some embodiments, the test paper module 104 can be attached to at least one sampling bag 102 via a connector 108 and a first tube 110. The connector 108 and the first tube 110 can be configured to facilitate the flow of the target gas filled inside the at least one sampling bag 102 to the test paper module 104. In some embodiments, the connector 108 can be manually attached to or detached from the at least one sampling bag 102 by a user. The first tube 110 can be flexible in nature to allow free movement of the test paper module 104 when the test paper module 104 is attached to the at least one sampling bag 102. In addition, as Figure 1BAs shown, the test paper module 104 may include a gas channel 112 manufactured with at least one recess 114 , at least one test paper 116 , and a first sealing gasket 118 .

[0043] In some embodiments, the gas channel 112 can be connected to the first tube 110 at one end and can be configured to receive at least one test paper 116. The gas channel 112 can be configured to transport the target gas from the at least one sampling bag 102 to the at least one test paper 116. In addition, the gas channel 112 can be manufactured to have an opening 120, such as Figure 1B As shown. In some embodiments, the opening 120 can provide a passage for the target gas to flow between the gas channel 112 and the at least one test paper 116. In some embodiments, the at least one test paper 116 can be configured to change color based on at least the concentration of the target gas received from the gas channel 112. Such a color change of the at least one test paper 116 based on the target gas concentration is described in the following embodiments. It should be noted that the detailed operation of the at least one recess 114 and the first sealing gasket 118 can be combined later. Figures 2A-2B Provide a description.

[0044] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a detection device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B FIG. 2 shows an internal view of a detection device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 1A-1B To describe Figures 2A-2B .

[0045] In some embodiments, the detection device 200 may include a housing 202 and a cover 204. The housing 202 may be manufactured to have at least one slot 206 and a power input port 208. In some embodiments, the at least one slot 206 may be configured to receive the test paper module 104 within the housing 202. In addition, the power input port 208 may be configured to insert a power cable (not shown) into the housing 202 to supply power to the detection device 200. In addition, the cover 204 may be manufactured to have a power button 210, an on / off button 212, and at least one result screen 214. In some embodiments, the housing 202 may further include at least one test chamber 216, a pressing block 218 coupled to a spring 220, a pushing block 222, at least one pushing mechanism 224, at least one pump 226, a second tube 228, and at least one controller 230. It can be noted that the detailed working of at least one test chamber 216, the pressing block 218 coupled to the spring 220, the pushing block 222, the at least one pushing mechanism 224, the at least one pump 226, the second tube 228 and the at least one controller 230 will be described later. Figures 3A-5C Provide a description.

[0046] In some embodiments, the test paper module 104 can be inserted into the detection device 200 through at least one slot 206 to determine the concentration of the target gas. Figures 3A-3B As shown, at least one slot 206 can be manufactured with at least one locking unit 302. The at least one locking unit 302 can be configured to securely couple the test paper module 104 to the at least one slot 206. In some embodiments, when the test paper module 104 is inserted, the gas channel 112 can push the at least one locking unit 302. Once the at least one recess 114 as described in the previous embodiment reaches parallel to the at least one locking unit 302, the at least one locking unit 302 extends in an outward direction as indicated by arrow 304 to interlock with the at least one recess 114, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B In some embodiments, at least one locking unit 302 can be extended or retracted by means of an integrated spring (not shown). This interlocking of at least one locking unit 302 couples the test paper module 104 to the detection device 200. In some examples, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples: Figure 3B In an exemplary embodiment, the locking unit 302 may be implemented using other snap-fit ​​technologies, friction locking mechanisms, push locking mechanisms, and / or the like without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 4A Horizontal movement of the push block 222 relative to the press block 218 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4B FIG. 2 shows the vertical movement of the pressing block 218 by the pushing block 222 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 1A-3B To describe Figures 4A-4B .

[0048] In some embodiments, the pressing block 218 can be positioned within the housing 202 such that, when the test strip module 104 is inserted into the at least one slot 206, the pressing block 218 can be positioned vertically above the test strip module 104 and the at least one test strip 116. In some embodiments, the pressing block 218 can be configured to convey the flow of target gas from the test strip module 104 to the detection device 200. Furthermore, the pushing block 222 can be mechanically coupled to at least one pushing mechanism 224. In some embodiments, when a user turns on the on / off button 212, the at least one controller 230 can generate a command signal to actuate the at least one pushing mechanism 224. In some other embodiments, the pushing mechanism 224 can be pushed vertically, which can further facilitate directly pushing the pressing block 218. The at least one pushing mechanism 224 can be actuated to cause the pushing block 222 to extend linearly, as indicated by arrow 402. This linear extension of the pushing block 222 can allow contact with the pressing block 218 with the aid of the extension portion 404. In some embodiments, the extension portion 404 may gradually extend along the surface of the pressing block 218 when in contact with the surface of the pressing block 218. Figure 4B The pressing block 218 is pushed in the downward direction indicated by the arrow 406 in FIG.

[0049] In addition, once the pressing block 218 is pushed by the pushing block 222, it will contact the test paper module 104 and be placed on the test paper module 104. Figure 5B In some embodiments, the pressing block 218 may include a channel 502. When the pressing block 218 is placed on the test paper module 104, as shown in FIG. Figures 5A-5B The channel 502 shown is vertically placed on at least one test paper 116 to allow the target gas to be transferred from the sensing chamber 100 to the detection device 200. In addition, the pressing block 218 can be manufactured to have a second sealing gasket 504. The second sealing gasket 504 can be configured to Figures 5B-5C Arrows 506 in FIG. 5 prevent the target gas from leaking during the flow between the gas channel 112 and the pressing block 218 .

[0050] In some embodiments, as previously described, when a user turns on the on / off button 212, the at least one controller 230 can generate subsequent commands to activate the at least one pump 226. The at least one pump 226 can be configured to convert electrical energy into hydraulic energy. Furthermore, the at least one pump 226 can be fluidly connected to the channel 502 via the second tube 228. In some embodiments, activation of the at least one pump 226 creates a vacuum through the channel 502. Due to the vacuum within the channel 502, the target gas begins to flow from the at least one sampling bag 102 through the gas channel 112, the pressure block 218, and into the at least one pump 226 via the second tube 228. The flow of target gas then penetrates the at least one test paper 116, allowing the at least one test paper 116 to change color based on the concentration of the target gas. In some embodiments, the at least one test paper 116 can be made of a material such as a semiconductor material, a nanomaterial, a conductive polymer, etc. Upon contact with the target gas, the material of the at least one test paper 116 begins to react due to a chemical change. The reaction between the material of the at least one test paper 116 and the target gas causes the at least one test paper 116 to change color. The color change of at least one test paper 116 can be monitored by at least one detector 508 with the help of at least one lighting device 510, such as Figures 5A-5C It can be noted that the detailed operation of at least one detector 508 and at least one lighting device 510 will be discussed later. Figure 6 Provide a description.

[0051] Figure 6 The color change of at least one test paper 116 is shown being monitored by at least one detector 508 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 A block diagram 700 of at least one controller 230 is shown. Figures 1A-5C To describe Figure 6-7 .

[0052] In some embodiments, the housing 202 may further include at least one detector 508 and at least one lighting device 510. The at least one lighting device 510 may correspond to a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp. Hereinafter, the at least one lighting device 510 may be referred to as an LED lamp. The at least one lighting device 510 may be configured to illuminate at least one test paper 116. Light emitted from the at least one lighting device 510 may pass through an LED guide 512. The LED guide 512 may facilitate focusing the light emitted from the at least one lighting device 510 onto the at least one test paper 116. In addition, the at least one detector 508 may be configured to monitor color changes of the at least one test paper 116. In some embodiments, the at least one detector 508 may emit light that may be reflected by the surface of the at least one test paper 116. The at least one detector 508 may also receive reflected light from the surface of the at least one test paper 116.

[0053] Furthermore, the reflected light from the at least one test paper 116 is processed by the at least one controller 230 to determine a color value of the reflected light. Furthermore, based on the color value, the at least one controller 230 determines the concentration of the target gas. It may be noted that the at least one detector 508 may preferably be a photodetector sensor. Based on the determination, the at least one controller 230 may display the result on the at least one result screen 214. Figure 7 As shown, the at least one controller 230 includes a memory 702 , a transceiver 704 , and input / output circuitry 706 .

[0054] In some embodiments, at least one controller 230 (and / or a coprocessor or any other processing circuitry assisting the processor or otherwise associated with the processor) communicates with the memory 702. In some embodiments, for example, the memory 702 is non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, in some embodiments, the memory 702 includes or is implemented as an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer-readable storage medium). In some embodiments, the memory 702 is configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, etc. for enabling the at least one controller 230 to perform various functions according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] At least one controller 230 can be implemented in a variety of different ways. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, at least one controller 230 includes one or more processing devices configured to execute independently. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, at least one controller 230 includes one or more processors that are configured in series via a bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and / or multi-threading. The use of the terms "processor" and "processing circuit" should be understood to include a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, multiple processors within at least one controller 230, and / or one or more remote or "cloud" processors external to at least one controller 230.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one controller 230 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 702 or instructions that the processor can access in other ways. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, at least one controller 230 is configured to perform hard-coded functions. Therefore, whether constructed by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, at least one controller 230 represents an entity (e.g., physically implemented in a circuit) that is capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure when constructed accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, as another example in some exemplary embodiments, when at least one controller 230 is implemented as an executor of software instructions, the instructions specifically configure at least one controller 230 to execute an algorithm implemented in the specific operations described herein when such instructions are executed.

[0057] In some embodiments, the at least one controller 230 can be configured to determine the color and / or hue of the at least one test paper 116 via image processing algorithms and techniques. The signal received by the at least one detector 508 from the at least one test paper 116 can be received by the at least one controller 230 and processed by the at least one controller 230 to analyze and determine the color and hue. For example, in the presence of the target gas, the test paper can turn blue, however, a lighter blue hue indicates a concentration below 1%, a darker blue hue indicates a concentration between 1% and 2%, and so on.

[0058] In some embodiments, the at least one detector 508 can be configured to detect a color change on the at least one test paper 116. Initially, the at least one test paper 116 can be white. After gas accumulates on the at least one test paper 116, the accumulated area on the at least one test paper 116 can turn blue. Furthermore, the at least one detector 508 can thereby identify the color change and generate a different signal. In some embodiments, the at least one controller 230 can compare the signals and determine the concentration of NO gas.

[0059] In some embodiments, at least one controller 230 includes a transceiver 704. The transceiver 704 includes any device, such as a device or circuit implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software, that is configured to receive and / or transmit data from / to a network and / or any other device, circuit, or module in communication with the at least one controller 230. In this regard, for example, in some embodiments, the transceiver 704 includes a network interface for enabling communication with a wired or wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the transceiver 704 includes one or more network interface cards, antennas, buses, switches, routers, modems, and supporting hardware, firmware, and / or software, or any other device suitable for enabling communication via one or more communication networks.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least one controller 230 includes input / output circuit 706, which provides output to the user, and in some embodiments receives the indication of user input. In some embodiments, input / output circuit 706 communicates with at least one controller 230 and at least one result screen 214 to provide such function. Input / output circuit 706 can include one or more user interfaces (for example, user interface), and in some embodiments includes display, and this display includes (one or more) interfaces that are presented as web page user interface, application user interface, user device, back-end system etc. At least one controller 230 and / or input / output circuit 706 can be configured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements by the computer program instruction (for example, software and / or firmware) on the memory (for example, memory 702 etc.) that is accessible to the processor. In some embodiments, input / output circuit 706 includes or utilizes user-oriented application to provide input / output function to client device and / or other displays associated with the user.

[0061] Figures 8A-8C FIG. 2 shows the retraction of the push block 222 by at least one push mechanism 224 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A-6 To describe Figures 8A-8C .

[0062] In some embodiments, after the result is determined and presented on at least one result screen 214, the user can "turn off" the on / off button 212. Upon turning off the on / off button 212, the at least one controller 230 can generate another command to terminate the operation of the at least one pump 226 and further actuate the at least one pushing mechanism 224 to retract the pushing block 222. Due to the spring 220, this retraction of the pushing block 222 can thereby allow the retraction of the pressing block 218, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B In some embodiments, the spring 220 may be compressed during the vertical downward movement of the pressing block 218 and may thereby store potential energy. As the pressing block 218 retracts, the spring 220 may release this potential energy to push the pressing block 218 in an upward direction. This upward movement may cause the pressing block 218 to separate from the gas passage 112, as shown in FIG. Figure 8C shown.

[0063] Figure 9 FIG. 9 is a flow chart 900 of a method for determining the concentration of a target gas according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 .

[0064] First, at step 902, the sensing chamber 100 may receive a target gas. In some embodiments, the sensing chamber 100 may include at least one sampling bag 102, which may be configured to receive the target gas. For example, patient Martin fills the at least one sampling bag 102 with NO gas with the aid of at least one nozzle 106. Next, at step 904, the pressing block 218 creates a channel 502 between the sensing chamber 100 and the detection device 200 to facilitate the flow of the target gas. In some embodiments, when the user turns on the on / off button 212, the at least one controller 230 may generate a command signal to actuate the at least one pushing mechanism 224. The at least one pushing mechanism 224 may be actuated to linearly extend the pushing block 222, thereby pushing the pressing block 218 to create the channel 502 to facilitate the flow of the target gas.

[0065] Next, at step 906, at least one pump 226 facilitates the flow of the target gas from the passage between the sensing chamber and the detection device. In some embodiments, when the user turns on the on / off button 212, the at least one controller 230 can generate a command to actuate the at least one pump 226. The actuation of the at least one pump 226 can facilitate the flow of the target gas from the sensing chamber 100 to the detection device 200. Next, at step 908, at least one detector monitors the color change of at least one test paper. In some embodiments, at least one detector 508 can emit light that can be reflected by the surface of at least one test paper 116 to monitor the color change. For example, at least one test paper 116 turns blue. Next, at step 910, the at least one controller determines the concentration of the target gas based at least on the color change of the at least one test paper.

[0066] In some embodiments, the controller can utilize image processing algorithms and techniques to identify the test paper and determine the color and / or hue of at least one test paper 116. For example, in some embodiments, at least one test paper 116 can change color based on the concentration of the target gas in the target gas. In some embodiments, the hue of the sample gas can represent the concentration of the target gas. For example, in the presence of the target gas, the sample gas can turn light blue, however, a light blue hue indicates a concentration below 1%, a slightly darker blue hue indicates a concentration between 1% and 2%, and so on. The color and / or hue of the relevant concentration can be determined prior to operation and can be input into the controller as a configuration or operating parameter. In addition, the color and / or hue of the relevant concentration can be learned, for example, through training using known target gases and / or user input.

[0067] In some embodiments, methods and systems for measuring and determining the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) gas can be used by doctors and other healthcare practitioners to regularly monitor NO gas levels in the human body. Furthermore, the proposed detection device, system, and method are easy to operate and provide users with fast and accurate results in digital form. The size and usability allow patients to use the system without professional supervision.

[0068] Benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate the many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention set forth herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings have described exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions that are different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated as being able to be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A detection device comprising: a housing having at least one test chamber configured to receive a test paper module having at least one test paper; a pressing block within the housing, the pressing block being configured to deliver a flow of target gas from the test paper module to the pressing block, wherein the flow of target gas promotes the target gas to penetrate the at least one test paper and change the color of the at least one test paper; at least one detector configured to monitor a color change of the at least one test paper; and At least one controller is communicatively coupled to the at least one detector and is configured to determine a concentration of the target gas based at least on a color change of the at least one test paper.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein At least one slot is fabricated on the housing and is configured to insert the test paper module into the at least one test chamber.

3. The detection device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one slot further includes at least one locking unit configured to fixedly couple the test paper module with the at least one slot.

4. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing further comprises: at least one pump connected to the at least one controller and fluidly coupled to the compression block; at least one pushing mechanism coupled to the pressing block via a pushing block and electrically coupled to the at least one controller; wherein, when the detection device is activated, the at least one pushing mechanism is actuated upon receiving a command from the at least one controller, which in turn causes the pushing block to extend linearly to vertically actuate the pressing block and position it on the at least one test paper; and When the pressing block is positioned on the at least one test paper, the at least one pump is actuated to facilitate the flow of the target gas, thereby facilitating a color change of the at least one test paper.

5. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing further comprises: and at least one illumination device positioned proximate the at least one detector and coupled to the at least one controller, wherein the at least one illumination device is configured to illuminate the at least one test paper to facilitate the at least one detector in monitoring a color change of the at least one test paper.

6. The detection device according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one lighting device includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) lamp.

7. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein: Activation of the detection device is performed using an on / off button.

8. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing is closed by a cover comprising: a power button configured to facilitate the delivery of power to the detection device; and At least one results screen is configured to display the concentration of the target gas to a user.

9. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressing block comprises: a channel configured to facilitate flow of the target gas within the pressing block; and A sealing gasket is configured to seal the channel to prevent leakage of the target gas flowing between the test paper module and the pressing block.

10. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressing block is also coupled to a spring configured to retract the pressing block at an initial position when determining the concentration of the target gas.

11. A method for determining the concentration of a target gas, the method comprising: creating a channel between the sensing chamber and the detection device via the pressing block to facilitate the flow of the target gas; facilitating, via at least one pump, a flow of the target gas from the passage between the sensing chamber and the detection device; monitoring a color change of at least one test paper via at least one detector; as well as The concentration of the target gas is determined via at least one controller based at least on a color change of the at least one test paper.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, actuating the pressing block via at least one pushing mechanism to facilitate translational movement of the pushing block; and The pressing block is pressed via the pushing block to align the pressing block onto the at least one test paper, so as to promote the flow of the target gas through the at least one test paper.

13. A system for determining the concentration of a target gas, the system comprising: A sensing chamber, comprising: at least one sampling bag configured to receive the target gas; and a test paper module having at least one test paper, the at least one test paper being configured to change color based on at least a concentration of the target gas; a detection device operatively coupled to the sensing chamber, the detection device comprising: a housing having at least one test chamber configured to receive the test paper module; and At least one controller configured to: facilitating a flow of the target gas through the test paper module by actuating at least one pump, wherein the flow of the target gas facilitates changing a color of the at least one test paper; and The concentration of the target gas is determined via at least one detector based at least on a color change of the at least one test paper.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein: The test paper module further includes a gas channel configured to transport the target gas from the at least one sampling bag to the at least one test paper.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The gas channel is fluidly coupled to the at least one sampling bag via a first tube to facilitate flow of the target gas from the at least one sampling bag to the at least one test paper.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein: The housing further comprises: at least one pushing mechanism coupled to the pressing block via the pushing block; and At least one illumination device is positioned adjacent to the at least one detector, the at least one illumination device being configured to illuminate the at least one test paper to facilitate the at least one detector in monitoring a color change of the at least one test paper.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein: The at least one lighting device includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) lamp.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein: The housing is closed by a cover comprising: a power button configured to facilitate the delivery of power to the detection device; an on / off button configured to activate or deactivate the detection device; and At least one results screen is configured to display the concentration of the target gas to a user.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein: The pressing block comprises: a channel configured to facilitate flow of the target gas within the pressing block; and A sealing gasket is configured to seal the channel to prevent leakage of the target gas flowing between the test paper module and the pressing block.

20. The system of claim 13, wherein: The at least one controller is electrically coupled to at least one results screen configured to display the determined concentration of the target gas to a user.

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