Air Capture Device for Pathogen Detection via Cyclone Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting airborne pathogens in agriculture are inadequate, requiring labor-intensive laboratory analysis and providing delayed information, leading to unnecessary pesticide use and ineffective pathogen management.
Innovation Solution
An air capture and genetic analysis device that filters large volumes of air, automates sampling, and performs on-site DNA analysis, sending alerts to farmers via mobile devices, using renewable energy and advanced sensors for timely pathogen detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If material is collected from air using existing technologies, then pathogen detection is enabled, but the sample flow must be kept small because too much material inhibits the ability of the technology to work
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sample collection process into multiple stages: a first collection zone captures particles from air, a second collection zone receives the sample and separates it into liquid and gas phases, and a third collection zone captures remaining particles. This segmentation allows the system to handle large volumes of air while maintaining detection capability by processing samples in manageable portions through phase separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance in the second collection zone. Water vapor condenses from the air sample, and the resulting liquid water phase serves as a medium to carry pathogen particles to the third collection zone. This intermediary approach enables the system to process large air volumes while maintaining particle detection capability through the liquid phase transport mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If imaging-based technologies are used to detect pathogens, then pathogen identification is enabled, but the sample flow must be small because imaging has to be able to see tiny particles by themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts pathogen particles from the air sample through multiple collection zones and phase separation processes. By concentrating the particles into a smaller volume in the third collection zone after passing through water condensation and gravity separation, the system enables imaging technologies to detect pathogens accurately without being overwhelmed by large sample volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct imaging of air samples with a mechanical/physical separation system using gravity, water condensation, and phase separation to concentrate particles. This substitution allows pathogen detection without requiring imaging technologies to directly observe particles in large air volumes, thereby enabling both high sample flow and accurate detection.
3Quantity of substance
If known spore trapping services are used, then spore count is provided, but they fail to collect samples directly or cleanly from the air and have inadequate sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions to prepare the air sample before final pathogen detection. In the second collection zone, water condensation occurs first, followed by gravity separation to remove larger particles, and then the remaining sample is directed to the third collection zone. These preliminary processing steps ensure that the final sample is clean and suitable for sensitive detection while maintaining the ability to collect from large air volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
Water serves as an intermediary medium that facilitates clean sample collection. The water vapor in the air condenses to form liquid water, which then serves as a carrier medium to transport pathogen particles to the third collection zone. This intermediary approach enables clean, sensitive collection while maintaining the ability to process large air volumes efficiently.
4Measurement precision
If laboratory analysis is used for pathogen detection, then accurate analysis is enabled, but the time between airborne pathogen presence and information is too long for timely farmer response
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service pathogen detection by performing all necessary functions - air sampling, water condensation, particle separation, and genetic analysis - within a single integrated field-deployable unit. The system includes its own DNA extraction, amplification, and detection capabilities, eliminating the need to send samples to external laboratories and thereby reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple previously separate functions into a single integrated device: air sampling, water condensation, particle concentration, DNA extraction, amplification, and detection all occur within the same apparatus. This consolidation enables timely field-based pathogen detection while maintaining laboratory-level accuracy, allowing farmers to receive immediate information about pathogen presence.
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 early detection of harmful spores, reducing unnecessary pesticide use, increasing crop yields, and providing cost-effective, timely pathogen management through automated, accurate, and continuous air sampling and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a means for separating particles from the air flow using a cyclone separator
Implementation Method 2
using a cyclone separator
Implementation Method 3
filtering large volumes of air
Implementation Method 4
heating the fluid to lyse cells and/or retrieve genetic material
Data Source
AI summary
A device collects material from air. The device swirls air within a fluid housing so as to deposit the material, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and other particles, from the air in a way that the material can later be analyzed. The device can be used to provide for detection of airborne organisms or properties of material in the air.