Breath Analyzer Folded Optical Path for Fast Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared spectrometers face challenges in combining high measurement resolution with fast response, particularly in breath analysis, where large sample volumes are required for high resolution but small volumes are needed for quick results, and they struggle with reliability and accuracy at extreme environmental conditions, especially in outdoor use and with substances having vastly different concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A breath analyzer system using a compact measuring cell with reflecting surfaces and electronic signal processing, allowing for instantaneous detection and analysis of substances in breath samples, minimizing transit time and cross-sensitivity, and capable of operating in various conditions, including outdoors, with a design that eliminates the need for a mouthpiece and incorporates multiple detectors for reference substances like CO2 and water vapor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large sample volume is used for breath analysis, then measurement resolution is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear optical path into a multi-dimensional configuration using multiple reflecting surfaces that create folded light paths. This allows the radiation to traverse a long effective path length (improving measurement resolution) within a compact physical space, thereby enabling both high resolution and fast response without requiring large sample volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring cell design nests multiple reflecting surfaces within a compact structure, creating a folded optical path that effectively packs a long measurement path into a small volume. This nested arrangement allows sufficient interaction between infrared radiation and breath sample molecules while maintaining rapid sample throughput.
2Measurement precision
If traditional infrared spectrometers are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional infrared spectrometers by removing complex dispersive elements (prisms, gratings) and wavelength-scanning mechanisms. The design uses a fixed optical path with multiple reflecting surfaces that directly guide infrared radiation through the breath sample to detectors, achieving accurate substance detection without complex spectral dispersion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex dispersive optics to separate wavelengths, the patent employs multiple detectors that simultaneously measure radiation at different wavelengths or uses selective absorbing materials that act as wavelength filters, copying the spectral separation function through simpler means.
3Manufacturing precision
If a mouthpiece is used for breath sampling, then sample purity is improved, but ease of operation and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mouthpiece component entirely from the system. Instead of requiring the subject to blow into a tube or mask, the design uses an open measuring cell where breath is sampled directly in the vicinity of the subject, eliminating the need for disposable mouthpieces and simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the subject's own breath flow as the sampling mechanism. The open measuring cell positioned in the breath path allows direct sampling without physical contact, using the natural breath flow as the intermediary between the subject and the measurement system.
4Measurement precision
If conventional spectrometer designs are used, then measurement resolution is improved, but adaptability to extreme environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple discrete sections defined by separate reflecting surfaces and measurement zones. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized for environmental stability and enables the system to maintain measurement resolution while adapting to varying temperature, humidity, and pressure conditions through localized adjustments.
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 system achieves fast and accurate detection of volatile substances in breath samples, providing instantaneous results and minimizing errors, while being durable and cost-effective for high-volume production, suitable for handheld or embedded use, and capable of self-testing for reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source, the one or more surfaces being substantially reflective to at least some of the radiation emitted by the radiation source, the radiation source being configured such that at least some radiation emitted thereby travels along the flow path and undergoes multiple reflections from the at least one surfaces
Implementation Method 2
at least one detector positioned to receive radiation emitted by the radiation source after multiple reflections thereof by the surfaces, and to perform analysis relating to portions of the radiation that have been absorbed since emission by the radiation source
Implementation Method 3
Many substances in the gas phase exhibit distinctive absorption spectra in the infrared wavelength range between approximately 1 and 10 μm
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the detection and analysis of at least one volatile substance in breath samples of a subject, including at least one source of infrared radiation adapted to the wavelength range of specific absorption peaks of said substances, a plurality of reflecting surfaces of said radiation adapted for collimation onto at least one detector providing a plurality of electrical output signals corresponding to the transmission of said radiation within wavelength intervals corresponding to said absorption peaks, at least one measuring cell including a mechanical support structure defining the position of said source, reflecting surfaces and detector, adapted to the reception and disposal of said breath sample, and exposing it to said radiation, at least one electronic signal processing unit with capacity to analyse said signals with respect to pre-programmed information concerning infrared absorption spectra of said substances. The response of the system being displayed or otherwise communicated, and perceived as essentially instantaneous.