Document Sampler with Mesh Roller for Rapid Analyte Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trace analyte detection methods, such as ion mobility spectrometry, require multiple steps and are not efficient for rapid detection on documents, particularly in security applications where time and efficiency are critical.
Innovation Solution
A document sampler system that allows direct insertion of documents into an analytical device, eliminating the need for swabbing or swiping, and includes a mesh or roller system for sample collection and desorption, enabling rapid and efficient analysis of analytes like explosives, narcotics, and chemical warfare agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sample collection methods (swabbing or wiping) are used, then analytes can be collected from document surfaces, but the detection process becomes slow and inefficient due to multiple manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample collection function directly into the document sampler by integrating mesh or roller elements that contact the document surface during insertion. This merging of collection and analysis functions eliminates separate manual swabbing steps, reducing operational complexity and increasing detection throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The document sampler performs self-service sample collection through its built-in mesh or roller mechanism that automatically contacts and collects analytes from the document surface as it passes through the insertion area. This eliminates the need for external manual sampling operations, improving efficiency and reducing human intervention.
2Ease of operation
If multiple manual steps are required for sample collection and analysis, then thorough sampling can be achieved, but operator time and processing efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh or roller elements are pre-positioned within the insertion area to automatically contact the document surface during normal insertion. This preliminary positioning of sampling elements ensures that sample collection occurs automatically as part of the insertion process itself, eliminating subsequent manual steps and reducing overall detection time while maintaining ease of operation.
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 system significantly improves detection efficiency and speed, reducing operating costs and enabling the analysis of 100% of passengers or documents at security checkpoints, while maintaining accuracy and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
IMS measures the drift time of ions through a fluid, such as clean, dry ambient air at atmospheric pressure. Analysis of analytes in a sample begins with collection of a sample and introduction of the sample into the spectrometer. A sample is heated to transform analyte from solid, liquid or vapor preconcentrated on a particle into a gaseous state. Analyte molecules are ionized in the reaction region of the IM spectrometer. Ions are then spatially separated in the IMS drift region in accordance to their ion mobility, which is an intrinsic property of an ion.
Implementation Method 2
A sample is heated to transform analyte from solid, liquid or vapor preconcentrated on a particle into a gaseous state.
Implementation Method 3
Analyte molecules are ionized in the reaction region of the IM spectrometer.
Data Source
AI summary
A document sampler can be arranged to receive a document in an insertion area of the document sampler. With such arrangements, a document can be directly inserted into a document sampler without an extra step of swabbing a document with a sample collection device. By eliminating the extra step of swabbing a document, the efficiency of sample detection is improved, sample detection is performed more rapidly, and operating costs of sample detection are decreased.