Airborne Pathogen Detection via Air Condensate Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting airborne pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, are invasive, unreliable, and unable to detect pathogens in large groups or in air environments, leading to delayed infection tracking and increased risk of transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an aerosol collector and analysis device that collects and analyzes condensate from ambient air for pathogens, allowing for decentralized, contact-free, and simultaneous detection of multiple individuals, using a sensor for visual and acoustic display of results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional swab testing is used, then individual infection status can be detected, but the method is invasive, time-consuming, and cannot detect pathogens in air or large groups simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air condensate as an intermediary medium to detect pathogens. Instead of directly sampling from individuals via swabs, the system collects condensate from the air that contains pathogens exhaled by multiple individuals, enabling simultaneous detection of large groups while eliminating the need for invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from individual-based detection (one person at a time) to environment-based detection (air sampling). By sampling the air environment that contains pathogens from multiple sources, the system achieves parallel detection of large groups, fundamentally changing the dimension of detection from individual to population level
2Measurement precision
If deep throat and nasal swabs are taken, then infection status can be determined, but medical personnel are exposed to increased infection risk and test persons experience discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
Air condensate serves as a non-invasive intermediary that carries pathogen information without requiring direct contact with infected individuals. The condensate collection device captures pathogens exhaled into the air, allowing detection while maintaining physical distance and eliminating the need for invasive swabbing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts pathogen information from the air environment rather than extracting samples from individuals. By collecting condensate that contains pathogens already present in the air, the method eliminates the need for direct sampling from throat or nose, protecting both test persons and medical personnel
3Measurement precision
If swab samples are collected and transported to laboratories, then pathogen detection can be performed, but the process takes several days causing delays in infection tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The condensate collection device is designed to be self-contained with integrated reagents and detection capabilities. The device can perform autonomous pathogen detection without requiring external laboratory infrastructure, enabling immediate results at the point of collection and eliminating transport and waiting times
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares detection reagents and conditions in advance within the collection device. By having all necessary components pre-assembled and ready in the condensate collection device, the system enables immediate analysis upon sample collection, eliminating the time delay associated with transporting samples to laboratories
4Measurement precision
If individual swab testing is performed, then personal infection status can be determined, but the method is unsuitable for determining airborne pathogen presence in rooms or detecting large groups simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The condensate collection device is designed to detect pathogens from multiple sources simultaneously. By sampling the air environment, the device can identify pathogens exhaled by any number of individuals in the space, making it universally applicable for both individual and population-level detection without requiring separate testing protocols
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 provides a reliable, timely, and decentralized method for detecting airborne pathogens, reducing the risk of infection for medical personnel and improving testing acceptance, while enabling continuous monitoring of indoor air quality.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device (3), having a condensation surface (7), at which condensate forms from the air (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an aerosol collector for collecting pathogens from the air, comprising at least one cooling device having at least one condensation surface, wherein the condensation surface is movable or stationary, wherein the cooling device includes electrical cooling, wherein the electrical cooling includes at least one Peltier element, at least one collection device in which a condensate formed on the condensation surface of the cooling device collects, and an analysis device for determining the type and/or quantity of at least one of the collected pathogens. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method comprising the examination of a condensate obtained from the air for pathogens from the family Coronaviridae, wherein the condensate is obtained with an aerosol collector prior to examination.