Aerosol Sample Collection Device Using Electrostatic Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nasal sampling methods for respiratory viruses and bacteria are invasive, uncomfortable, and often result in poor signal-to-noise ratios, leading to inaccurate diagnosis due to dependence on swabbing skills.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive device for collecting aerosol samples using a conduit with an electrostatically charged filter positioned between the inhalation and exhalation openings, which exhibits low airflow resistance and high filtration efficiency, allowing for accurate diagnosis without skill-dependent swabbing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nasal sampling (nasopharyngeal swab) is used for collecting respiratory virus and bacteria samples, then sample collection can be performed, but the method is invasive and uncomfortable for subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sampling function from the invasive nasal swabbing process and relocates it to the exhaled breath pathway. The device captures aerosol particles containing viruses and bacteria from the subject's exhaled breath through a filter, eliminating the need for invasive nasal insertion while maintaining diagnostic sample collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sampling device that captures respiratory pathogens indirectly through exhaled breath rather than direct nasal contact. The filter acts as an intermediary medium that traps aerosol particles containing viruses and bacteria from the breath stream, providing a non-invasive alternative to direct swabbing
2Reliability
If nasal swabbing is used for sample collection, then samples can be obtained, but the signal-to-noise ratio is poor due to dependence on swabbing skills
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service sampling where subjects independently collect their own respiratory samples by exhaling into the device without requiring trained personnel. The exhaled breath naturally deposits aerosol particles containing pathogens onto the filter, eliminating variability introduced by different swabbing techniques and achieving consistent high-quality samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical swabbing action with a passive filtration system. Instead of requiring manual insertion and rotation of swabs to collect samples, the device uses the natural flow of exhaled breath to carry aerosol particles through a filter that automatically captures pathogens, replacing skill-dependent mechanical manipulation with a self-regulating physical process
3Ease of operation
If a filter is used to collect aerosol samples from exhaled air, then non-invasive sampling is achieved, but airflow resistance may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous filter material with optimized pore structure that allows efficient passage of exhaled air while effectively trapping aerosol particles. The porous configuration provides multiple flow paths through the filter media, reducing pressure drop and airflow resistance while maintaining high filtration efficiency for capturing respiratory pathogens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes filter parameters including pore size, thickness, and material properties to balance filtration efficiency with airflow resistance. By carefully selecting and tuning these parameters, the filter achieves effective aerosol particle capture while minimizing resistance to the natural exhaled breath flow, ensuring comfortable subject experience without compromising sample collection quality
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 device provides a non-invasive, easy-to-use method for collecting aerosol samples with high signal-to-noise ratios, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and comfort for subjects.
Implementation Method 1
the filter is an electrostatically charged filter
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to devices to collect aerosol sample and methods thereof.