Adaptive Pathogen Detection Interval Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pathogen detection systems waste consumables and energy by performing frequent detections, even when the pathogen concentration is low, leading to unnecessary resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A pathogen detection apparatus that includes a collector, a reactor, a time measurer, and a detector, where the controller calculates a gradient value based on the reaction time and detected substance quantity to determine the optimal time interval for the next collection, reducing detection frequency and conserving resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frequent detections are performed to ensure pathogen detection accuracy, then detection reliability is improved, but consumable waste and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system dynamically adjusts the detection interval based on real-time gradient values calculated from reaction progress. When the gradient value indicates low pathogen concentration, the system extends the detection interval to reduce frequency. When the gradient value indicates high pathogen concentration, the system shortens the detection interval to maintain reliability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making detection frequency adaptive rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the reaction progress and calculates gradient values based on detected labeled substance quantities. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to adjust the next detection interval based on current reaction characteristics. The feedback loop ensures that detection frequency is automatically optimized according to actual pathogen presence, reducing unnecessary detections while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If frequent detections are performed to ensure pathogen detection accuracy, then detection reliability is improved, but consumable waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidconsumable waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the detection interval based on real-time gradient values calculated from reaction progress. When the gradient value indicates low pathogen concentration, the system extends the detection interval to reduce frequency. When the gradient value indicates high pathogen concentration, the system shortens the detection interval to maintain reliability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making detection frequency adaptive rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If fixed detection intervals are used to simplify operation, then ease of operation is improved, but resource waste occurs when pathogen concentration is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating gradient values from detected reaction progress and using these values to determine optimal detection intervals. The controller autonomously decides when to extend or shorten detection intervals based on real-time gradient analysis, eliminating the need for manual intervention or fixed schedules. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while significantly reducing energy waste during low-concentration periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively reduces the frequency of pathogen detection, minimizing waste of consumables and energy by adjusting the detection interval based on pathogen concentration, ensuring efficient resource usage.

Implementation Method 1

a virus collection apparatus that collects viruses in low concentration in the air by using a cyclone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

a reactor that causes the pathogen collected by the collector to react with a labeled substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBinding reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

a detector that detects a quantity of labeled substance that has reacted with the pathogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11435286B2Pathogen detection apparatus and pathogen detection method

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A pathogen detection apparatus includes a collector that collects a pathogen in air; a reactor that causes the pathogen collected by the collector to react with a labeled substance; a time measurer that measures time from start of reaction in the reactor; a detector that detects a quantity of labeled substance that has reacted with the pathogen; and a controller. The controller calculates a gradient value on the basis of a predetermined time period from the start of reaction measured by the time measurer and the quantity of labeled substance detected by the detector, and determines, on the basis of the gradient value, a time interval to next collection that is to be performed by the collector.