Electrostatic Air Sampler for Real-Time Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pathogen detection systems in metagenomics face challenges in efficiently and accurately detecting airborne pathogens in enclosed environments, particularly in real-time and with minimal disruption, due to limitations in sampling methods and detection technologies.
Innovation Solution
A pathogen detection system that includes an air sampler with electrostatic charging elements and a replaceable cartridge containing a collector plate and sensors, which collects and analyzes bioaerosols using electrostatic precipitation and genetic testing techniques, enabling real-time detection and minimal disruption in environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional air sampling methods are used, then pathogen detection can be performed, but detection accuracy and real-time capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical filtration sampling with electrostatic precipitation technology. The electrostatic charger generates corona discharge to charge bioaerosols, and the collector plate uses electrostatic attraction to capture charged particles. This substitution enables more efficient pathogen collection from air samples, improving both detection accuracy and real-time capability by eliminating the need for complex mechanical filtration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and charge parameters of bioaerosols during sampling. By applying high voltage to the electrostatic charger, bioaerosols are charged and their movement is influenced by electric field parameters. This parameter change enables more effective separation and collection of pathogens from ambient air, enhancing detection precision without significant time loss.
2Productivity
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then real-time pathogen detection is achieved, but system disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sampling function into a separate, replaceable cartridge module that can be quickly swapped. The cartridge contains the electrostatic charger, collector plate, and processing components. This extraction allows continuous monitoring operation while minimizing disruption to the environment, as the cartridge can be replaced without disassembling the entire system or causing significant environmental disturbance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular components: the main housing, the replaceable cartridge, and the detection system. The cartridge itself is divided into functional sections (charger, collector, processor). This segmentation enables continuous monitoring through rapid cartridge replacement while reducing environmental disruption, as only the small cartridge needs to be exchanged rather than the entire system.
3Productivity
If electrostatic charging elements are used, then bioaerosol collection efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the single cartridge module: the electrostatic charger, collector plate, sample processor, and detector are combined in one replaceable unit. This merging improves bioaerosol collection efficiency through integrated electrostatic precipitation while managing device complexity by consolidating components into a modular cartridge that can be replaced as a single unit rather than assembling individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge acts as an intermediary module between the air sampler and the detection system. It receives air samples, performs electrostatic charging and collection, and prepares samples for analysis. This intermediary function simplifies the overall system architecture by isolating the complex electrostatic components in a separate replaceable unit, improving collection efficiency while managing system complexity through modular design.
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 effectively detects airborne pathogens with high accuracy and minimal noise, allowing for continuous monitoring and rapid identification of pathogen levels in enclosed spaces, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a set of charging elements 124 arranged within the tunnel 122 proximal the inlet; a cartridge receptacle 110 arranged proximal the outlet 129 and comprising a cartridge terminal 112; and a power supply 160 configured to drive a voltage between the set of charging elements 124 and the cartridge terminal 112
Implementation Method 2
a collector plate 140 arranged on the substrate 130 and configured to collect charged bioaerosols moving through the tunnel 122
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a pathogen detection system includes an air sampler and a cartridge. The air sampler includes: a housing defining an inlet and an outlet; a tunnel arranged within the housing and extending between the inlet and the outlet; a charge electrode arranged within the tunnel proximal the inlet; a cartridge receptacle arranged proximal the outlet and comprising a cartridge terminal; and a power supply configured to drive a voltage between the charge electrode and the cartridge terminal. The cartridge includes: a substrate; a collector plate arranged on the substrate and configured to collect charged bioaerosols moving through the tunnel; and a connector configured to transiently engage the cartridge receptacle to locate the substrate and the collector plate within the tunnel and electrically couple the collector plate to the cartridge terminal.