Fluid Sensing Stick with UV-Enhanced Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sensory devices are limited to detecting analytes in gaseous phases only and lack versatility in analyzing compounds in both liquid and gaseous phases, with restricted communication capabilities and limited data processing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sensory device with learning capabilities, featuring a gas sensor and a liquid sensor, communication capabilities, and advanced signal processing technologies, including ultraviolet illumination and micro gas chromatography, enabling analysis of analytes in both phases and improved identification accuracy through data processing and modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device uses only gas sensor architecture, then gas detection is simple and reliable, but liquid analysis capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor platform that can detect analytes in both gas and liquid phases using the same core sensor architecture. The gas sensor designed for volatile compound detection is adapted to liquid analysis by introducing ultraviolet irradiation to enhance analyte extraction and detection from liquid samples, eliminating the need for separate gas and liquid sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the gas sensor when transitioning from gas to liquid phase detection. Specifically, ultraviolet irradiation is applied to liquid samples to facilitate analyte extraction and enhance detection sensitivity, allowing the same sensor to operate effectively in both phases without structural modification.
2Measurement precision
If communication capabilities are limited to smartphone integration, then device simplicity is maintained, but data processing accuracy and learning capabilities are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the sensor and the smartphone communication interface. This intermediary system includes machine learning algorithms and data processing capabilities that enhance analyte identification accuracy by analyzing sensor data locally before transmission, acting as a mediator that improves precision without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data processing functions into multiple levels: basic processing occurs at the sensor level, advanced analysis is performed by intermediary processing capabilities with machine learning algorithms, and results are communicated to the smartphone. This segmentation allows high accuracy to be achieved without concentrating all complexity in a single component.
3Measurement precision
If sensor array is expanded for better analyte characterization, then detection accuracy improves, but device miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each sensor in the array multi-functional by enabling it to detect both gas-phase and liquid-phase analytes through ultraviolet-enhanced extraction. This universality allows comprehensive analyte characterization using a compact sensor array, as each sensor provides rich information about analytes in both phases rather than requiring separate dedicated sensors for each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic ultraviolet irradiation pulses to extract and analyze analytes from liquid samples. This periodic action allows the same sensor array to sequentially analyze different analytes or different aspects of the same sample over time, achieving comprehensive characterization without requiring all sensors to operate simultaneously, thus reducing the required device volume.
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 device provides enhanced accuracy in identifying analytes in both liquid and gaseous phases, enabling broader application in healthcare and environmental monitoring, and improved data processing capabilities for precise compound identification.
Implementation Method 1
a gas sensor for sensing an analyte in a gaseous phase and generating a first fluid sensing signal
Implementation Method 2
a liquid sensor for sensing an analyte in a liquid phase and generating a second fluid sensing signal
Implementation Method 3
irradiating a semiconducting metal oxide material with ultraviolet light, exposing the irradiated material to the gaseous atmosphere and determining the presence of any volatile compound in the atmosphere by monitoring a change in electrical conductivity of the material
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention discloses a device for identifying fluids or measuring their concentration. The device is configured to capture fluid sensing signals and sent to processing capabilities to be annotated, pre-processed and fed to databases of datasets and models which have learning capabilities. The device has a stick or stylus form factor which is makes it fit to be used by health care professionals or by the general public. Advantageously, the stick can be used to capture data from gas and liquid, being possibly phases of the same analyte. The device can be a package containing all processing capabilities being configured to be autonomous. It can operate in conjunction with an intermediary device of a smart phone, a PC or a POCT type. The system comprising autonomous fluid sensory devices, intermediary devices and database servers can operate in a learning mode or in a use mode. Measurements can be filtered, and normalized to statistically eliminate the differences in measurements due to bad operational conditions, differences of device configurations or differences of local parameters (temperature, hygrometry, flow rate, etc...)