Breath Collection Device with Nanometric Filter and Transverse Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting exhaled breath are uncomfortable for users due to filter resistance and do not adequately address the risk of pathogen transmission, particularly for individuals with reduced respiratory capabilities and in the re-use of disposable components.
Innovation Solution
A device that includes a collecting terminal with a mouthpiece and a nanometric filter system, where the exhaled breath is washed and filtered separately, allowing for the reuse of the device after replacing disposable parts, with a suction direction transverse to the exhalation direction to optimize air washing and pathogen removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is installed in the breath collection device to block pathogen agents, then the safety of operators is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to increased resistance and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the breath flow into two separate paths: a first path for collecting a sample of exhaled breath and a second path for evacuating the remaining breath. The filter is positioned only in the second path, allowing it to protect the device and operators without interfering with the primary breath collection function in the first path.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful filtering function is extracted from the primary breath collection path and placed in a separate evacuation path. This allows the collection path to remain free of resistance while the filter handles pathogen removal in the secondary stream.
2Reliability
If a filter is installed to block viral or bacterial pathogen agents, then the reliability of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases requiring disposable components
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed as a disposable component that is replaced after each use. This simple approach ensures reliable pathogen blocking without requiring complex cleaning or maintenance systems, thereby maintaining device reliability while avoiding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is discarded after a single use and replaced with a fresh filter for the next measurement. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization or cleaning mechanisms, keeping the device simple while ensuring consistent reliability through fresh filters.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mouthpiece is made disposable to reduce contamination risk, then the safety is improved, but the loss of time increases due to frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the breath collection system into a reusable main body and disposable components (mouthpiece and filter). This allows the expensive and complex main body to be reused multiple times, reducing time loss, while the disposable components handle contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouthpiece and filter are designed as disposable components that are inexpensive and easily replaceable. This minimizes the impact of frequent replacements on overall time loss, as the disposable nature allows for quick changes without complex procedures.
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 device effectively collects exhaled breath for analysis while minimizing user discomfort and ensuring the safety of operators by efficiently purifying the air, allowing for the reuse of the device and reducing the risk of pathogen transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an aspirator device, which is connected to said at least one discharge vent of the collecting terminal through a respective discharge duct, and which comprises at least one nanometric filter therethrough the exhaled breath sucked through said duct is purified
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting exhaled breath allows a substantial air washing of the whole device which allows its re-use, after replacing the disposable portions. The device includes: a collecting terminal, having a mouthpiece grip which receives the exhaled breath; at least one collecting hole, for collecting a portion of exhaled breath from the collecting terminal, to be subjected to examination; least one discharge vent; and an aspirator device, which is connected to the at least one discharge vent of the collecting terminal through a respective discharge duct, and which includes at least one nanometric filter through which the exhaled breath sucked through is purified.