Aerodynamic Biological Assay Device Using Autorotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for detecting biological hazards suspended in the air are inadequate as they require motorized sampling, pose risks to users, and often rely on single-device sampling, which can result in limited sample sizes and incorrect results, with none utilizing natural forces for assay performance.
Innovation Solution
The Aerodynamic Automated Biological Assay Device (AABAD) uses centrifugal force generated by autorotation to collect and analyze air samples without motors, dispersing multiple non-motorized microfluidic devices that can test for biological threats and transmit results wirelessly to a safe location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If motorized sampling devices are used to collect air samples, then sample collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides a single complex motorized sampler into multiple simple passive aerodynamic samplers, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows deployment of numerous low-cost units that collectively achieve high sampling efficiency without requiring complex motorized systems in each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces motorized mechanical sampling systems with passive aerodynamic sampling using autorotating wings. The mechanical motion required for sampling is generated naturally by airflow causing the wings to autorotate, eliminating motors and mechanical drive systems while maintaining sampling efficiency.
2Device complexity
If single-device sampling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple independent sampling devices instead of a single device, with each device performing complete sampling and analysis. This segmentation enables parallel measurement across multiple units, improving statistical reliability and measurement precision through data aggregation while keeping individual device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines results from multiple independent sampling devices to achieve high measurement precision. Data from numerous simple devices are aggregated and analyzed collectively, producing more reliable results than any single device could achieve alone.
3Device complexity
If users manually collect samples for analysis, then device complexity is reduced, but safety risks to personnel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated sampling and analysis where devices autonomously collect, process, and analyze samples without human intervention. The integrated microfluidic systems automatically perform cell lysis, DNA extraction, amplification, and detection, eliminating the need for users to handle potentially hazardous biological materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling operations with automated aerodynamic sampling and integrated microfluidic processing. This automation eliminates direct human contact with hazardous samples while the modular design keeps individual device complexity manageable.
4Manufacturing precision
If magnetic beads are used for sample processing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and integrates magnetic bead-based sample processing functions directly into the microfluidic device architecture. By incorporating magnetic actuation capabilities within the chip itself, the system eliminates the need for external magnetic bead handling equipment, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise sample processing.
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 allows for real-time, efficient, and safe detection of biological agents in the air, reducing payload and cost by leveraging natural forces for sample collection and analysis, ensuring accurate results without exposing personnel to hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal force is produced along a length of the microfluidic cassette without motor or active propulsion system while the first distal end autorotates about the second opposing end due to airflow produced by the AABAD descending through the atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
the first distal end autorotates about the second opposing end due to airflow produced by the AABAD descending through the atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
Low-power thermal modules and novel fluorescence-sensing modules are integrated into these analyzers. This configuration enables real-time monitoring of loop-mediated isothermal nucleic acid amplification ('LAMP') of biological agents
Implementation Method 4
Deployable and automated biological assay devices based upon isothermal amplification and microcontrollers have become highly accurate and cost effective
Implementation Method 5
Low-power thermal modules and novel fluorescence-sensing modules are integrated into these analyzers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed towards an Aerodynamic Automated Biological Assay Device (“AABAD”) comprising an aerodynamic substrate having a microfluidic cassette and an electronic module, and a system and a method of deploying the same to detect biological agents and hazards suspended in an atmosphere. The AABAD may be in the form/shape of a maple seed/fruit to induce autorotation. A plurality of AABADs are dispersed into the atmosphere from an aircraft or drone. The AABADs rotate via centrifugal forces without motor or active propulsion system while descending to the ground, wherein during the descent, the AABADs microfluidic cassettes collect and process the air samples via a centrifugal force formed from the autorotation generated by the airborne carrier, and to analyze and transmits the results to a remote location.