Real-Time Fluorescence Detection Device for Aerosol Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting biological aerosols, such as those used in bioterrorism scenarios, are slow due to the need for cultivation and are prone to inaccuracies from external vibrations and misalignment of laser beams, especially when detecting weak fluorescence signals.
Innovation Solution
A device for real-time fluorescence detection that includes a particle concentrator and a particle measuring unit with a beam shaping and splitting system, using a pair of reflectors and beam alignment mechanisms to stabilize and accurately detect aerosol particles and their fluorescence, even under external vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a laser-induced fluorescence method is used to detect biological aerosols, then detection speed is improved, but the ability to measure weak fluorescence signals deteriorates due to lack of light-collecting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser-induced fluorescence method with a light-collecting device (parabolic mirror) to simultaneously achieve rapid detection and accurate measurement of weak fluorescence signals. The mirror collects scattered light and directs it toward the detector, merging the speed advantage of laser fluorescence with the sensitivity of optical collection.
Solution Approach 2:
A light-collecting mirror acts as an intermediary between the illuminated particles and the detector. It captures weak fluorescence and scattered light that would otherwise be lost, and redirects them to the detection system, enabling measurement of faint signals without sacrificing detection speed.
2Ease of repair
If conventional equipment is disassembled for interior cleaning, then maintenance is improved, but laser beam alignment accuracy deteriorates and requires complex realignment work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with a simple optical alignment method using a alignment laser and visual markers. The alignment laser projects a reference beam that makes realignment after cleaning straightforward, substituting tedious mechanical adjustment with optical guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is designed to be self-aligning through visual markers and laser reference beams that guide the user during reassembly. The system essentially aligns itself by providing visual feedback, reducing the skill and time required for realignment after maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If external vibrations are applied to conventional detection equipment, then portability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to laser beam deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using a rigid, vibration-dampening mounting structure and secure fixation of optical components. The system is pre-designed to resist vibrations through structural stiffness and damping materials, counteracting the harmful effects before they can affect measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Vibration isolation elements and damping materials are incorporated into the equipment structure beforehand to cushion against external vibrations. This prior cushioning protects the sensitive optical alignment and laser beam from deviation caused by portable use in field conditions.
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 rapid and reliable detection of biological aerosols by concentrating and separating aerosol particles, stabilizing the device against vibrations, and optimizing the alignment of the laser beam for improved accuracy and reproducibility in measuring weak fluorescent signals.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical casing connected to the pre-separator and having two-staged nozzles formed of a plurality of virtual impactors adapted to separate and concentrate the particles passed through the pre-separator to sizes within a given range through an inertial force
Implementation Method 2
a beam shaping part connected to an opening formed on the front surface of the optical chamber to illuminate laser beam to the particles introduced into the particle measuring space through the inlet part
Implementation Method 3
the pair of reflectors comprising a spherical reflector made of a coated glass material and an aspherical reflector made of a coated aluminum material, the spherical reflector and the aspherical reflector being disposed to face each other, the back of the spherical reflector being disposed toward the beam splitting part, the spherical reflector being not coated on the center portion thereof so that the scattering light and fluorescence signals generated by illuminating the laser beam generated from the beam shaping part on the particles introduced from the inlet part are reflected to the aspherical reflector and are advanced toward the beam splitting part
Implementation Method 4
a beam splitting part connected to an opening formed on the right surface of the optical chamber in such a manner as to be perpendicular to the beam shaping part and having a scattering light detector and fluorescence detectors adapted to detect one scattering light and two fluorescence at the same time in accordance with the cut-off frequencies of two beam splitters from the scattering light and the fluorescence signal produced by the interaction between the laser beam and the particles in the particle measuring space of the optical chamber
Implementation Method 5
a beam splitting part connected to an opening formed on the right surface of the optical chamber in such a manner as to be perpendicular to the beam shaping part and having a scattering light detector and fluorescence detectors adapted to detect one scattering light and two fluorescence at the same time
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for real-time fluorescence detection having a particle concentrator (100) adapted to separate and concentrate the aerosol particles and a particle measuring unit (200) disposed on the underside of the particle concentrator (100). The particle measuring unit (200) includes: an inlet part (210) adapted to introduce the particles and air from the particle concentrator (100) thereinto; an optical chamber (220) having a particle measuring space formed at the interior thereof; a beam shaping part (250) adapted to illuminate the particles in the measuring space with a laser beam; a beam dump part (260); a pair of reflectors (230) disposed in the particle measuring space at an angle of 90° with respect to the forward direction of the laser beam; a particle discharging part (240) adapted to discharge the particles and air to the outside; and a beam splitting part (270) having a scattering light detector (274) and fluorescence detectors (272, 273). adapted to detect scattering light and fluorescence light produced by the interaction between the laser beam and the particles.