Colorimetric Sensor Array for Non-Destructive VOC Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for chemical and biological sample detection often destroy or alter the sample during analysis, lack specificity, and rely on heating or reagents, leading to false positives and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device that integrates sampling and detection using a colorimetric sensor array (CSA) with a proprietary compound library, allowing for non-destructive analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by comparing color changes over time and generating a unique signature for exact identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If colorimetric reagents are used for detection, then detection capability is improved, but the sample is destroyed or altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a colorimetric sensor array that creates a spectral fingerprint copy of the VOC profile rather than chemically reacting with and destroying the sample. The CSA captures the volatile organic compounds' characteristics through non-destructive colorimetric sensing, allowing the original sample to remain intact for further analysis or attribution purposes.
2Measurement precision
If heating or reagents are applied to enhance detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but false positives increase and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from chemical reaction-based (heating/reagents) to optical property-based (colorimetric sensing). The colorimetric sensor array detects VOCs through their inherent optical properties and spectral fingerprints, eliminating the need for heating or chemical reagents that cause false positives and sample degradation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sample is collected for later analysis, then sampling flexibility is improved, but time to obtain results increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sampling function and detection function into a single integrated device. The sampling cartridge with collection pad is combined with the colorimetric sensor array and processing unit, enabling simultaneous sampling and real-time detection. This eliminates the time delay between sample collection and analysis while maintaining the flexibility of portable sampling in hazardous environments.
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 precise, non-destructive identification of chemical and biological agents without altering the sample, reducing false positives and complexity, and providing a portable solution for hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
a colorimetric sensor array (CSA) which reacts to the VOCs on the sample collection pad so that the camera collects images of the CSA
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for collecting, analyzing, and identifying chemical and biological samples in solid or liquid form is disclosed. The analysis compares the color change of Colorimetric Sensor Arrays (CSAs) over time with images for known materials/compounds contained in a library. The device can be used as a handheld or standalone device and integrates the sampling and detecting functions of the prior art into a single device that analyzes and identifies the sample without destroying it. The inventive volatile organic compound (VOC) technology device is also unique in that it relies on a comparison to a proprietary compound library that is supported by lab data. This compound library identifies the unique dye signature combinations that provide very accurate classification of a wide variety of chemical and biological agents.