Breath Sample Collection Device with Preservation Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in developing a portable and accurate system for measuring minute levels of cannabinoid compounds like THC in breath samples, which is crucial for detecting impaired driving, as existing methods struggle with sensitivity and sample preservation for transportation to laboratories.
Innovation Solution
A sample capture device with a housing and sample capture interface that retains a hydrophilic sample capture medium, allowing for the collection and immersion of breath samples in a preservation solution within a reservoir structure, enabling transportation and analysis of THC and other substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable sample collection devices are used for breath analysis, then field deployment capability is improved, but measurement precision for minute THC levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: a portable sample collection device for field deployment and a separate laboratory analysis system for precise measurement. The collection device captures breath samples in preservation solution, while the lab system performs sensitive THC quantification. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
A preservation solution acts as an intermediary medium between the breath sample and the analysis system. The solution captures and stabilizes volatile cannabinoids in the breath, preventing degradation during transport. This intermediary enables the separation of collection and analysis functions while maintaining sample integrity for precise measurement.
2Measurement precision
If breath samples are collected for THC analysis, then detection capability is improved, but sample preservation for transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The preservation solution is prepared in advance within the collection device, containing agents that stabilize volatile cannabinoids before sampling occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when breath is drawn through the device, the sample is immediately preserved in a stable state, preventing degradation during subsequent transport to the laboratory.
3Measurement precision
If sensitive detection methods are used for THC, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the simple portable collection function from the complex laboratory analysis function. The collection device remains relatively simple, focusing only on sample acquisition and preservation. The sensitive detection methods are implemented in the separate lab system, where complexity is acceptable and resources are available. This segmentation maintains measurement precision while minimizing field device complexity.
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 and preserves breath samples, allowing for accurate analysis of THC and other substances, even at low concentrations, facilitating reliable detection of impaired driving and potential secondary contamination sources.
Implementation Method 1
A sample capture device with a housing and sample capture interface that retains a hydrophilic sample capture medium
Implementation Method 2
allowing for the collection and immersion of breath samples in a preservation solution within a reservoir structure
Data Source
AI summary
Examples include a sample collection device that includes a housing, a reservoir structure and a sample capture interface. The housing includes an inlet to receive an air sample from a subject. The sample capture interface provided with the housing includes a sample capture medium. The sample capture interface is manipulatable to insert the sample capture medium into the reservoir structure. Further, the sample capture interface seals the sample capture medium within the reservoir structure. Upon insertion of the sample capture interface, the sample capture interface seals the sample capture medium within the reservoir structure.