Exhaled Breath Virus Detection Using Arc Plasma Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory virus detection methods, such as PCR/antigen self-test kits, are time-consuming and uncomfortable for users, and nasopharyngeal swabbing is invasive, with kits requiring disposal after use.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus that analyzes exhaled breath for viruses using arc plasma or arc discharge, employing a detector with a collection container, filters, and optical devices to identify specific wavelengths indicative of viral presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PCR/antigen self-test kits are used for virus detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but testing time increases significantly (30 minutes to 24 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical PCR amplification system with a plasma-based detection system. The arc plasma generator creates high-temperature plasma that directly detects viral components in exhaled breath, eliminating the time-consuming PCR amplification process while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from requiring amplified genetic material (PCR) to detecting viral components directly through plasma excitation. By using arc plasma to excite viral particles in the breath sample, the system achieves rapid detection without the 30-24 hour amplification process, reducing testing time while preserving detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If nasopharyngeal swab is used for sample collection, then sample quality is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to invasive procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the viral detection target from the invasive nasopharyngeal swab location and obtains it from the less invasive exhaled breath. By collecting viral components present in breath rather than requiring deep throat swabbing, the system maintains detection capability while significantly improving user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses exhaled breath as an intermediary medium to obtain viral samples. Instead of directly contacting the nasopharyngeal area with a swab, the system captures viral components that are naturally present in breath, serving as a less invasive intermediary that still provides sufficient sample quality for detection.
3Reliability
If disposable test kits are used, then cross-infection risk is reduced, but waste generation increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the detection apparatus can be sterilized and reused multiple times. The collection container and detector are designed to be disinfected between uses, allowing the same device to serve multiple users without generating disposable waste, while the sterilization process prevents cross-infection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection apparatus that can serve multiple users through sterilization. Rather than requiring a separate disposable kit for each user, the same detection device can be disinfected and reused, reducing waste generation while maintaining cross-infection prevention through proper sterilization protocols.
4Productivity
If real-time detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sample collection, plasma generation, and detection functions into a single integrated apparatus. The collection container houses both the arc plasma generator and detector, combining multiple functions into one device that achieves real-time detection without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc plasma generator creates self-sustaining plasma that directly detects viral components in the breath sample. The plasma excitation and detection process occurs automatically as the breath passes through the collection container, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while achieving real-time detection capability.
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
Enables real-time virus detection, minimizing user discomfort and reducing testing time, while allowing multiple user testing without cross-infection risks.
Implementation Method 1
a detection apparatus that analyzes exhaled breath for viruses using arc plasma or arc discharge
Implementation Method 2
The detector may detect a virus in the specimen by using arc plasma or arc discharge
Implementation Method 3
The detector may detect light energy of a specific wavelength, which is emitted when a virus in the specimen is excited
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a detection apparatus. The apparatus may include a detector configured to detect a virus in a specimen containing an exhaled breath of a user. A collection container may be provided to receive the specimen. The detector may be installed in the collection container and may detect a virus in the specimen entered into the collection container. The detector may detect relaxation energy of the specimen decomposed by at least one of thermal energy, light energy, and electrical energy, and the detector may detect the virus using a wavelength, an intensity value, or a ratio between intensity values by wavelength of the detected relaxation energy.