Aircraft Cabin Air Sampling for Emerging Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack effective systems for identifying and detecting unknown viruses and pathogens within aircraft cabins, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where asymptomatic individuals can spread the virus, leading to uncertainty and reduced international travel.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for collecting and analyzing air samples from aircraft using a collector to capture particulates, conducting tests such as PCR, and identifying non-described emerging pathogens, with a centralized data storage and communication of results to health authorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual diagnostic tests are used to detect pathogens in aircraft cabins, then the testing process is simple and quick, but the reliability of detection is insufficient and results are uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection methods (PCR, next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry) into a single integrated detection system that processes air samples collectively, rather than using separate individual tests. This merging of detection approaches maintains high reliability while managing system complexity through unified sample processing protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect known pathogens using PCR, discover emerging pathogens through sequencing, and identify unknown microorganisms via mass spectrometry. This multi-functional approach improves reliability across different pathogen types without requiring separate specialized systems for each detection method.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive pathogen monitoring systems are implemented in aircraft cabins, then the detection capability for emerging pathogens is improved, but the device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and preserving air samples in filters throughout the flight, preparing them for later analysis. This preliminary sample collection and preservation simplifies the operational process during critical moments, as samples are already prepared and stored ready for immediate testing when needed, reducing the operational burden on personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces automated data processing and bioinformatics pipelines as intermediaries between sample collection and pathogen identification. These intermediary systems automatically process sequencing data, compare results against databases, and generate reports, significantly reducing the manual operational burden while enhancing the system's adaptability to identify diverse pathogens.
3Reliability
If air samples are collected and tested frequently to ensure safety, then the detection reliability is improved, but the loss of time for processing and analyzing samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous sample collection throughout the flight, with filters constantly capturing airborne particles. This continuous collection ensures that samples are always available for immediate testing, maintaining high detection reliability without requiring repeated sampling and processing cycles, thereby reducing overall time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Samples are collected and preserved in advance during the flight, preparing them for rapid testing upon landing or when suspicious conditions arise. This preliminary collection and preservation action eliminates the need for time-consuming sample gathering during critical response periods, reducing processing time while maintaining reliable detection capability.
Data Source
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.