Fibrous Substrate Wipe for Explosive Detection via Redox Color Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting explosive substances are either hazardous due to liquid media risks or inconvenient due to cumbersome equipment, lacking a convenient and accurate on-site detection system that does not require additional materials or equipment.
Innovation Solution
A fibrous substrate wipe impregnated with a chemical detection solution containing a redox color indicating agent that changes color upon contact with explosive substances, eliminating the need for special equipment and providing a visible indication of presence or absence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If colorimetric field detection kits with liquid media are used to detect explosive substances, then detection capability is improved, but the risk of hazardous chemical spill, burn or exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable test strip that integrates the detection chemistry into a single-use device. The strip contains immobilized reagents that react with explosive substances, producing a visible color change. After use, the entire strip is discarded, eliminating the need to handle, store, or dispose of separate liquid chemicals, thereby removing spill and exposure risks while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a solid support matrix (test strip) as an intermediary carrier for the detection reagents. Instead of using free liquid media that can spill, the reactive chemicals are immobilized on the strip's porous structure. This intermediary form allows the chemical detection function to be performed safely without the harmful liquid phase, eliminating spill and burn risks while preserving measurement precision.
2Productivity
If spectrometric techniques with testing equipment are used to analyze explosive contaminants, then sample throughput is improved, but the convenience of the process deteriorates due to cumbersome equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical/spectrometric detection equipment with a simple optical detection system. Instead of using ion mobility spectrometers or other sophisticated instruments that require training and maintenance, the test strip uses colorimetric detection that can be observed with the naked eye. This substitution dramatically improves ease of operation while maintaining high sample throughput capability through rapid sequential testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a simplified copy or analog of the complex spectrometric detection process. Rather than directly measuring physical properties with sophisticated equipment, the test strip translates chemical interactions into visible color changes that replicate the detection function in a much simpler form. This copying approach eliminates the need for cumbersome equipment while preserving the essential detection capability and enabling rapid throughput.
3Measurement precision
If vapor diffusion procedures with fluorescence sensing techniques are used to detect explosive substances, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the complexity of the detection system increases due to additional equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces fluorescence sensing equipment and vapor diffusion apparatus with direct colorimetric detection on a test strip. Instead of using UV light sources, fluorescence detectors, and controlling vapor diffusion rates, the test strip uses reagents that produce immediate visible color changes upon contact with explosive substances. This substitution eliminates the need for additional detection equipment while maintaining detection sensitivity through optimized reagent chemistry.
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 solution allows for rapid, accurate, and safe detection of explosive substances on-site without additional equipment, as the color change is visibly observable, ensuring user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the chemical detection solution includes a redox color indicating agent (also referred to herein as an internal redox indicator) that is configured to exhibit a color change when the solution contacts a particular explosive substance
Implementation Method 2
the fibrous substrate is operable to absorb, adsorb or otherwise become impregnated with the chemical detection solution
Implementation Method 3
the fibrous substrate is operable to absorb, adsorb or otherwise become impregnated with the chemical detection solution
Data Source
AI summary
A wipe for detecting the presence of an explosive substance is composed of an absorbent or adsorbent substrate and a chemical detection solution impregnated within the substrate. The chemical detection solution includes a redox color indicating agent that is operable to exhibit a color change upon reacting with the explosive substance.