Mold Sensor System with Automated Substrate Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting mold are labor-intensive, expensive, and require laboratory analysis, making them inefficient for continuous monitoring and early detection, especially since mold growth can be invisible and spread through airborne spores.
Innovation Solution
A mold sensor system that includes a housing with a chamber, a substrate treated to promote mold growth, temperature control, and a sensing device to detect mold growth, along with a light source to kill mold, allowing for continuous monitoring and real-time detection of mold concentrations in the air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory analysis methods are used to detect mold, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to labor-intensive processes and long turnaround times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (microscope examination by experts) with automated electronic sensing systems. The sensor device automatically detects mold spores in air samples, eliminating the need for manual slide preparation and microscopic analysis, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while dramatically improving throughput and reducing labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or model of the laboratory analysis process that can be performed continuously in situ. Instead of sending samples to a laboratory for analysis, the system uses a compact sensor device that replicates the essential detection function, enabling continuous monitoring without sacrificing measurement quality
2Productivity
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved through real-time detection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated sensor device: air sampling, spore capture on growth substrate, incubation chamber, and optical detection are merged into one compact unit. This integration enables continuous monitoring while avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it samples air, cultivates mold spores on a growth substrate, detects mold growth optically, and provides real-time feedback. This multi-functionality allows continuous monitoring without requiring separate specialized devices for each function
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 continuous, cost-effective, and real-time monitoring of mold concentrations, allowing for early detection and prevention of mold growth, reducing the need for laboratory analysis and improving health and structural safety.
Implementation Method 1
a light source disposed in the chamber and configured to kill mold within the chamber when activated
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect mold growth on the substrate within the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting mold includes a housing defining a chamber and an opening through a surface. The system includes a movable grate for selectively covering the opening. The system includes a substrate treated to promote mold growth. The system includes a mechanism for moving the substrate to move previously unexposed portions into the chamber. The system includes a thermal control system to maintain predetermined environmental conditions in the chamber. The system includes a sensor configured to detect mold growth in the chamber. The system includes a mold suppressor to kill mold in the chamber when activated. The system includes a controller to coordinate operation of the components to detect mold growth in an environment.