Compact Breath Analysis Device Using Segmented Gas Separators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breath analysis techniques, such as electronic noses and GC-MS systems, face challenges in identifying specific markers in exhaled breath due to sensitivity and selectivity issues, and are often bulky and expensive, making them unsuitable for use in clinical settings like hospitals.
Innovation Solution
A handheld gas analysis device using multiple miniature gas separators with different molecule selectivity properties, combined with a processor and communication module, allows for compact and specific identification of diseases by separating and detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high end GC-MS systems are used for breath analysis, then measurement precision and selectivity are improved, but device size, cost, and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the gas separation function into multiple parallel channels, each containing a miniature gas separator tuned for specific molecule ranges. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through specialized separation while maintaining a compact form factor, as each mini-separator is much smaller than a full-sized chromatographic column would be.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested architecture by placing multiple miniature gas separators within a single compact device housing, with each separator tuned for different molecular ranges. The detectors are also configured to receive input from multiple separators, creating a nested system that achieves laboratory-grade analysis in a portable format.
2Measurement precision
If high end GC-MS systems are used for breath analysis, then measurement precision and selectivity are improved, but device cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the analysis function across multiple parallel miniature separators, each handling specific molecular ranges. This segmentation simplifies operation compared to a single complex GC-MS system, as each mini-separator is easier to operate and maintain, while the parallel architecture provides the necessary precision through combined output.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automated control features where the system can self-regulate the flow distribution to different miniature separators and automatically process the combined signals. This reduces the need for highly skilled technicians and regular calibration/cleaning operations required by traditional GC-MS systems.
3Volume of moving object
If electronic noses are used for breath analysis, then device size is reduced, but measurement precision and selectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single array of generic detectors as in electronic noses, the invention segments the gas flow into multiple parallel channels, each with a miniature separator tuned for specific molecular ranges. This segmentation enables the detection of specific markers with high precision while maintaining a compact device size, as the mini-separators are much smaller than traditional chromatographic columns.
Solution Approach 2:
Each miniature gas separator is locally optimized with specific molecule selectivity properties tailored to detect particular biomarker ranges. This local quality approach allows the compact device to achieve the measurement precision of large GC-MS systems by having each component specialized for its specific detection task.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple miniature gas separators with different selectivity properties are used, then device compactness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple parallel paths, each containing a miniature gas separator with different selectivity properties, into a single integrated device. The outputs from all separators are combined and fed to detectors that can process the combined signals. This merging achieves compactness while managing complexity through parallel processing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal functionality where the same compact platform can detect multiple different molecular ranges through the parallel miniature separators. Each separator is tuned for specific molecules, but the overall system provides multi-functional analysis capability, making the increased complexity worthwhile through versatile disease diagnosis and monitoring applications.
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 accurate and portable diagnosis of diseases like Tuberculosis and Pneumonia, with the ability to monitor specific biomarkers, and can be used in clinical settings or for non-medical applications, improving upon the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The invention provides a gas analysis device which guides a sample of exhaled breath or other gas sample through a flow path with a plurality of gas separators, e.g. GS columns, arranged in the flow path
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas analysis device suited for e.g. medical analysis of exhaled breath from a subject. A gas inlet receives a gas sample to a flow path for guiding the gas sample to two or more gas separators, e.g. gaschromatography columns, with respective molecule selectivity properties which are different. One or more detectors, each with a sensor, are arranged to generate respective responses to outputs from the two or more gas separators. A communication module generate output data in response to the respective responses from the one or more detectors, e.g. data indicative of selected molecules in the gas sample, e.g. data indicative of one or more diseases identified as a result of idenfitied biomarkers in the gas sample. The device is suitable as a compact device, e.g. a handheld breath analysis device, since the use of a plurality of gas separators allows use of very molecule specific gas separators which can be implemented with a small size. E.g. a flow path with several parallel paths each comprising one or more gas separator may be used.