Aircraft Cabin Particulate Collection for Emerging Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and detecting emerging pathogens in aircraft cabins are inadequate, relying on individual diagnostic tests with uncertain results, which hinders international travel and poses risks due to asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic carriers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for collecting and analyzing air samples from aircraft using a collector to capture particulates, conduct tests, and relay results to a central data center for identifying non-described pathogens, including phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison, with a database for storing and communicating results to health authorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual diagnostic tests are used to detect pathogens, then the testing process is simple, but the reliability of detection is insufficient due to uncertain results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple diagnostic testing approaches (PCR, next-generation sequencing, and traditional culture methods) into a unified monitoring system. This integration allows the system to leverage the high sensitivity of PCR, the comprehensive pathogen identification capability of NGS, and the functional validation of culture methods, thereby significantly improving detection reliability while managing system complexity through automated workflow coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed with multi-functionality to perform various detection methods (molecular testing, sequencing, cultural methods) and data analysis functions within a single platform. This universal system can adapt to different pathogen types and detection requirements, providing reliable results across diverse scenarios while maintaining a standardized operational framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive pathogen monitoring is implemented, then emerging pathogens can be identified, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into distinct functional modules: sample collection units, DNA extraction modules, PCR amplification stations, NGS sequencing platforms, and data analysis workstations. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently optimized or maintained. This segmentation enables comprehensive pathogen monitoring capability while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture and standardized interfaces.
3Loss of time
If rapid pathogen detection is implemented to facilitate travel, then travel disruption is reduced, but the risk of false positives or negatives increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pathogen detection and risk assessment before passengers board aircraft. By conducting comprehensive screening of passengers, crew, and aircraft environments in advance, the system identifies potential pathogens early, enabling preventive measures to be taken before travel begins. This preliminary action reduces the need for disruptive mid-travel testing while maintaining high detection accuracy through the use of multiple validated diagnostic methods.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for collecting and testing particulates from aircraft air is disclosed. The method includes capturing particulates in at least one of an outlet flow path or a recirculation flow path with a collector over a period of time, removing the collector from at least one of the outlet flow path or the recirculation flow path for testing, concentrating the collected sample, conducting a test on at least one particulate captured in the collector, relaying a result of the test to a central data center to store the results, and identifying a previously non-described emerging pathogens within the results.