Handheld Mold Detection Device with Integrated Immunological Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting hidden mold infestations indoors are cumbersome, time-consuming, and often require laboratory analysis, which can delay identification of mold exposure and its indoor or outdoor origin.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held measuring device combining a collection unit, buffer unit, immunological test unit, and evaluation unit for rapid, on-site detection of mold antigens or haptens, eliminating the need for manual buffer addition and enabling quick, qualitative, and quantitative analysis without further laboratory tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microbiological laboratory tests are used to detect hidden mold infestation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to lengthy laboratory analysis procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex microbiological laboratory procedures by using immunological sensors that specifically detect mold antigens. This extraction allows rapid detection without the time-consuming steps of microbial cultivation while maintaining detection accuracy through specific antigen-antibody reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/manual laboratory procedures with automated immunological sensing systems. The device automatically performs sample processing, antigen detection, and result evaluation, substituting manual microbiological methods with an automated immunological detection system that provides rapid results.
2Device complexity
If manual sample processing steps are used in rapid test procedures, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple manual steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate manual operations (sample collection, buffer addition, mixing, and testing) into a single integrated hand-held device. The collection unit, buffer unit, and immunological test unit are combined into one device that performs all functions automatically, eliminating the need for separate manual steps while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically processing the sample from collection through buffer mixing to final immunological testing. The system autonomously executes the detection sequence without requiring user intervention for buffer addition, mixing, or sample transfer, making operation as simple as inserting the collection unit and pressing a button.
3Productivity
If automated sample processing is implemented in hand-held devices, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automated device into distinct functional modules: a collection unit for sample acquisition, a buffer unit for reagent storage and mixing, and an immunological test unit for detection. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together automatically, achieving high productivity without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held device is designed as a multi-functional universal instrument that performs sample collection, buffer mixing, and immunological detection within a single device. This universality consolidates multiple functions into one tool, improving productivity by eliminating the need for separate devices or manual transfer between equipment while managing complexity through integrated design.
4Measurement precision
If reference samples are taken outdoors to distinguish mold sources, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional sampling and comparison steps
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables preliminary action by allowing rapid on-site detection of mold antigens directly at the suspected contamination location. This immediate detection provides baseline data that can be quickly compared with outdoor reference measurements, accelerating the source differentiation process while maintaining detection precision through the sensitive immunological sensor.
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 allows for immediate, easy-to-use detection of mold contamination with automatic sample processing, providing quick results and differentiating between indoor and outdoor mold sources, reducing the need for extensive microbiological testing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one immunological test unit
Implementation Method 2
The collection unit has a baffle plate and/or a filter. The baffle plate is a carrier plate coated with an adhesive for adhesion of the mold components. Special filter membranes are used to filter the air, which are suitable for filtering mold and its components such as spores.
Implementation Method 3
the sample is automatically taken up (suspension, solution) into a buffer solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a handheld measuring device for detecting concealed mould damage for example in internal spaces, having at least one collecting unit for accommodating at least one internal space sample, at least one buffer unit, at least one immunological testing unit, an evaluation unit and a control panel.