Portable Luminescent Chemical Sensor Reader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for analyzing chemical compositions are time-consuming, expensive, and require large equipment and trained personnel, making real-time, on-site analysis challenging, especially for detecting a wide variety of impurities in chemical mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A portable mobile chemical sensor device equipped with a cartridge holding luminescent chemical sensor probes, a light source, and a camera module, capable of emitting light in specific wavelengths and detecting emitted light to identify and quantify chemical substances, allowing for rapid and accurate analysis by field workers with minimal training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional large equipment is used for chemical analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chemical analysis system into discrete sensor probes containing luminescent chemical sensors that can be inserted into a portable reader device. This segmentation allows the complex analytical function to be distributed across multiple simple components rather than requiring one large complex instrument, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces luminescent chemical sensors as intermediary elements that convert chemical information into optical signals. These sensors act as mediators between the chemical sample and the detection system, enabling accurate chemical analysis through portable devices by translating chemical properties into measurable light emissions that can be detected by simple photodetectors.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor probes are designed to be self-contained units that perform the chemical sensing function autonomously when inserted into the reader. The luminescent sensors automatically respond to chemical analytes and generate optical signals without requiring complex laboratory procedures, enabling rapid on-site analysis that maintains precision while dramatically reducing analysis time compared to conventional laboratory methods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate tests are performed for different impurities, then measurement precision for specific analytes is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reader device that can accommodate multiple types of sensor probes through a standardized interface. The reader provides multi-functional capability to detect various chemical impurities and analytes by simply changing the sensor probe cartridge, eliminating the need for multiple specialized instruments. This universal design maintains measurement precision for specific analytes while significantly improving adaptability and reducing operational complexity.
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, accurate, and cost-effective analysis of chemical compositions, including trace chemicals, with results available in minutes, reducing the need for extensive sample collection and laboratory analysis, and providing a compact, user-friendly solution for field use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source configured to direct light onto the sensor-bearing surface of the at least one chemical sensor probe at an angle of incidence, wherein the light source is capable of emitting light having a wavelength of from about 280 nm to about 400 nm
Implementation Method 2
an array of luminescent chemical sensors
Implementation Method 3
an array of luminescent chemical sensors
Implementation Method 4
an optical mirror configured to reflect emitted light from the at least one chemical sensor probe to the camera module
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to mobile devices for analyzing a chemical composition, and related methods of analyzing a chemical composition. A benefit of embodiments disclosed herein can include portable and economical devices providing for simple and rapid analysis of luminescent chemical sensor arrays. A benefit of methods disclosed herein can include the use of embodied devices to provide highly accurate qualitative and quantitative analyses of the components of a broad range of chemical compositions. A benefit of the methods disclosed herein can include the rapid, simple, and accurate analysis of trace chemicals present in chemical compositions.