Reusable Gas Analyzer Solid Support Surface for Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gas detection systems require consumable reagent-bearing paper, which is not ideal for sensitive gas detection at the parts per billion level and necessitates frequent replacements, and they often have complex, non-uniform surfaces that hinder accurate optical detection.
Innovation Solution
A gas analyzer apparatus using a reusable, uniform surface for reagent support, such as a rotatable glass disk or elongated structure with orifices, combined with a dispenser and detector system that allows for controlled reagent application and optical detection of gas reactions without the need for paper, utilizing reagents like those in CHEMCASSETTE cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional paper-based reagent analyzers are used, then gas detection can be performed, but the paper requires frequent replacement and has non-uniform surface texture that hinders accurate optical detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the disposable paper-based reagent analyzers with a reusable solid support surface. The solid support can be repeatedly cleaned and used multiple times, eliminating the need for frequent replacement while providing a uniform surface for optimal optical detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a solid support surface that provides homogeneous, uniform texture throughout its area. This uniform surface ensures consistent optical detection conditions, eliminating the microscopically non-uniform texture present in paper-based systems and thereby improving detection accuracy.
2Productivity
If paper-based reagent analyzers are used, then gas detection is possible, but consumable materials must be frequently replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the solid support surface after each detection cycle. The support can be cleaned of residual reagents and used repeatedly, eliminating the continuous loss and replacement of consumable paper materials while maintaining detection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the disposable paper-based system with a durable, reusable solid support that does not require frequent replacement, thereby reducing material loss and operational costs while maintaining productivity.
3Measurement precision
If traditional analyzers with long analyzing path lengths are used, then ppb-level sensitivity can be achieved, but the analyzers become unwieldly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical path length extensions with an optimized solid support surface that enhances detection sensitivity through its uniform properties and controlled reagent placement, achieving ppb-level sensitivity without requiring unwieldy analyzer dimensions.
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 sensitive and cost-effective gas detection without consumable materials, allowing for efficient reuse of the reagent support surface and accurate optical detection of gas reactions, reducing the need for frequent replacements and improving sensitivity to ppb levels.
Implementation Method 1
a reagent capable of reacting with a predetermined gas to cause a detectable change in a characteristic of the reagent
Implementation Method 2
a detector that detects the presence of the predetermined gas upon the predetermined gas and the controlled quantity of reagent reacting to cause a detectable change in a characteristic of the reagent detectable by the detector
Implementation Method 3
The orifice in this embodiment is sized to enable capillary forces to retain the quantity of reagent without the reagent falling through the orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A gas analyzer apparatus includes a device or platform for supporting a predetermined quantity of a reagent capable of reacting with a predetermined gas to cause a detectable change in a characteristic of the reagent, a reservoir adapted to retain the reagent, a dispenser for dispensing a controlled quantity of the reagent from the reservoir to a predetermined position on the device for supporting the predetermined quantity of the reagent, and a detector that detects the presence of the predetermined gas upon the predetermined gas and the controlled quantity of reagent reacting to cause a detectable change in a characteristic of the reagent detectable by the detector, the detector adapted to detect a change in the controlled quantity of the reagent by detecting the change in the characteristic through the predetermined quantity of the reagent.