Adhesive VOC Sampling Manifold With Removable Sorbent Patch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are expensive, fragile, require specialized handling, or are unsuitable for in situ sampling, especially for biological surfaces like human skin or plant leaves, and lack high-volume, low-cost solutions.
Innovation Solution
A sampling manifold comprising a base layer with an adhesive coating, a mesh layer forming a pouch for a removable sorbent patch, and a protective cover, allowing for the collection and analysis of VOCs using a flexible and sterile sorbent patch made of materials like polydimethylsiloxane or carbon nano-fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is used for VOC sampling, then sampling efficiency is improved, but the device becomes expensive and fragile, preventing contact sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sorbent patches that are inexpensive, single-use devices replacing expensive and fragile SPME fibers. These patches can be discarded after one use, eliminating the need for costly, delicate equipment while maintaining sampling effectiveness for VOC collection from surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses flexible sorbent patches that can conform to various surface geometries including curved biological surfaces like skin or leaves. This flexibility enables contact sampling on irregular surfaces where rigid SPME devices cannot be applied, while the thin film structure maintains adequate sorbent capacity.
2Reliability
If stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) is used for VOC sampling, then device robustness is improved, but the form factor becomes unsuitable for biological gas-phase sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid SBSE stir bar concept into a flexible patch form factor. The sorbent material is applied as a thin, flexible patch that can be applied directly to surfaces, maintaining robustness while adapting to biological surfaces and gas-phase VOC sampling applications where traditional SBSE is unsuitable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the sorbent material into a discrete patch format that can be independently applied to specific surfaces of interest. This segmentation allows the robust sorbent material to be deployed in a flexible, surface-adapted configuration rather than requiring immersion in liquid samples.
3Measurement precision
If sorbent capsules or pens are used for VOC sampling, then sampling capability is improved, but special handling is required that complicates operation for inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The sorbent patches are designed as self-adhering, pre-prepared devices that automatically secure to surfaces without requiring complex handling procedures. The patches include adhesive backing and protective release liners that guide the user through simple application and removal, eliminating the need for specialized training or equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patches are pre-prepared with sorbent material loaded, adhesive applied, and protective coverings in place before reaching the user. This preliminary preparation eliminates complex assembly steps and special handling requirements, allowing inexperienced users to simply apply and remove the patches without technical expertise.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional sampling methods are used, then sampling is possible, but high-volume low-cost sampling cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, disposable sorbent patches that can be manufactured at low cost using simple processes. Multiple patches can be deployed simultaneously for high-volume sampling across multiple surfaces or time points, with each patch being a low-cost, single-use device that eliminates the need for expensive, reusable equipment.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly in situ sampling of VOCs from various surfaces, including human skin, plants, and inanimate objects, with the ability to dispatch and analyze the sorbent patch quickly and inexpensively.
Implementation Method 1
the patch adsorbs fluids, gases, and gas-phase volatile compounds
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling manifold and method of use for detecting volatile compounds on a surface, such as skin, comprising an adhesive base layer and mesh defining a pouch for insertion of a removable sorbent patch.