Ion Drive for Selective Analyte Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating odorous analytes are costly, time-consuming, and lack efficient industrial processing capabilities, with existing technologies like differential ion mobility spectrometry only capable of detection rather than isolation or further analysis.
Innovation Solution
An ion drive apparatus with a substrate and conductive material coating, applying direct or alternating current to create electric fields that selectively isolate volatizable analytes by passing a gas stream through channels, allowing for efficient isolation and further processing or analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separation techniques are used to isolate odorous analytes, then isolation capability is achieved, but cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of odor detection from complex separation systems. By using ion mobility spectrometry with selected ion monitoring, the system isolates and detects specific odorous compounds directly from complex mixtures without requiring traditional time-consuming separation steps, thus achieving reliable isolation capability while dramatically reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical separation systems (distillation, extraction apparatus) with an electromagnetic field-based ion mobility spectrometry system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical separation processes, reducing both time consumption and equipment complexity while maintaining reliable analyte isolation capability
2Reliability
If conventional separation techniques are used to isolate odorous analytes, then isolation capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ion mobility spectrometry system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates, identifies, and quantifies odorous analytes in a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate equipment systems (separation apparatus, detection devices, analysis instruments), thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable isolation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct odor measurement to ion mobility characteristics. By measuring the drift time and mobility of ions in an electric field, the system achieves reliable analyte isolation and identification using simpler, more cost-effective instrumentation compared to traditional separation methods
3Measurement precision
If differential ion mobility spectrometry is used for odor detection, then detection capability is achieved, but isolation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ion population by their mobility characteristics in an electric field. Different odorous analytes are separated into distinct ion packets based on their drift times, enabling both precise detection and effective isolation. The segmented ion signals can be individually monitored and collected, providing both measurement precision and isolation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric field as an intermediary between the odorant molecules and the detector. This electric field mediates the separation and isolation process by causing ions to drift at different velocities, enabling both precise detection through selected ion monitoring and physical isolation of different analyte components
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 ion drive enables the selective isolation of analytes in ppm quantities, is cost-effective to manufacture, and suitable for industrial use, providing accurate and efficient odor detection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A direct or alternating current may be applied to the conductive material. The conductive material may be selected from Pt, Au, Cr, Cu, Ni, Al, Ag, W, and Ti
Implementation Method 2
differential ion mobility spectrometry (DMS) analyzer systems may provide for the detection of odors
Implementation Method 3
A gas stream may be passed over and parallel to the top side of the substrate. This gas stream carries the analyte of interest after it passes through the channels in the ion drive
Implementation Method 4
The compound to be detected needs to be volatizable, i.e., it needs to evaporate readily at normal temperatures and pressures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ion drive for selectively isolating an analyte of interest and methods of use thereof. The ion drive includes a substrate with channels therethrough, a conductive material coating on the bottom and top of the substrate, a top electrical lead connected to the conductive material coating covering the top of the substrate, and a bottom electrical lead connected to the conductive material coating covering the bottom of the substrate. The invention further relates to an odor emitter which is made up of an ion drive mounted towards the top of a vessel.