Air Centrifuge Pathogen Detection With Low-Volume Rinse Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for in-situ detection of pathogenic substances in air, particularly viruses, are complex and require multiple components, making them less reliable and less accessible for widespread application.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a centrifuge to separate aerosol particles from air, followed by rinsing with a low volume of rinsing liquid to collect and detect pathogenic substances using detection antibodies, with optional reporter molecules for biochemical reactions, and a detection device incorporating a centrifuge, fluid lines, and optical sensors for turbidity, color, and luminescence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components and complex systems are used for in-situ detection of pathogenic substances, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (centrifugal separation, rinsing, and optical detection) into a single integrated device. The centrifuge unit, rinsing chamber, and detection chamber are merged into one system, eliminating the need for separate complex components while maintaining reliable pathogenic substance detection through the unified workflow.
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection accuracy is achieved, but liquid consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and concentrates pathogenic substances from large volumes of air into a small volume of rinsing liquid using centrifugal force. The centrifuge separates aerosol particles containing pathogens from the air stream and concentrates them on the centrifuge wall, where they are then rinsed off with minimal liquid into a compact detection chamber, significantly reducing liquid consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If aerosol particles are concentrated for detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical concentration mechanisms with a centrifugal field-based system. The centrifuge uses rotational motion to generate centrifugal force that naturally concentrates aerosol particles on the centrifuge wall without requiring additional mechanical components. This simple yet effective approach achieves high detection sensitivity while keeping the device relatively simple.
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 method and device provide a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective means for detecting pathogenic substances in air with minimal liquid consumption, enabling continuous monitoring and accurate quantification of viral loads.
Implementation Method 1
Passing air through a gap chamber of a centrifuge, centrifuging the passed air
Implementation Method 2
detecting turbidity and/or color and/or luminescence in the detection area depending on the presence of at least one pathogenic substance and directly or indirectly as a result of bringing it into contact with detection antibodies
Implementation Method 3
detecting turbidity and/or color and/or luminescence in the detection area
Implementation Method 4
detecting turbidity and/or color and/or luminescence in the detection area
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method, a centrifuge, and a detection device for detecting pathogenic substances contained in air. The method comprises the steps of: passing air through a gap (124) of a centrifuge (110), centrifuging the passed air, rinsing the gap (124) with a first volume of a rinsing liquid, collecting the rinsing liquid exiting the gap (124), introducing the collected rinsing liquid into a detection area (118), and detecting turbidity and/or color and/or luminescence in the detection area (118) depending on the presence of at least one pathogenic substance and directly or indirectly as a result of bringing the same into contact with detection antibodies.The centrifuge (110) defines a rotation axis (A) and comprises two circumferential walls rotatable about this axis, between which the gap space (124) is formed, a rotation drive, means for passing air through the gap space (124), means (134) for introducing a rinsing liquid into the gap space (124) and means (126) for collecting the rinsing liquid exiting the gap space (124).