Molecule Detecting Device Using Solubilizing Agent Composite

Solution Overview

Problem

Current odor detecting sensors face challenges in sensitivity and accuracy due to the hydrophobic nature of odor molecules, which makes it difficult to detect them effectively after they are dissolved in a liquid.

Innovation Solution

A molecule detecting device comprising a capturing section, a releasing section, and a detecting section, where the capturing section combines target molecules with a solubilizing agent in a carrier liquid to form a composite body, the releasing section uses stimuli like light, temperature, or pH changes to release the molecules, and the detecting section uses a sensor element to detect the released molecules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If odor molecules are dissolved in liquid for detection, then the detection process can be implemented, but the detection sensitivity and accuracy deteriorate due to the hydrophobic nature of odor molecules

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a solubilizing agent as an intermediary substance that mediates between the hydrophobic odor molecules and the aqueous carrier liquid. The solubilizing agent forms a composite body with the target molecule, enabling the hydrophobic molecule to be captured and transported in the aqueous environment without losing its detection characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical-chemical state of the target molecule by forming a composite body with the solubilizing agent. This parameter change allows the hydrophobic molecule to become soluble in the aqueous carrier liquid while maintaining its detectable properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a simple dissolution method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection sensitivity deteriorates due to poor solubility of hydrophobic molecules

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The solubilizing agent serves as a chemical intermediary that simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex preprocessing steps such as organic solvent extraction or heating, while simultaneously improving the solubility and detectability of hydrophobic molecules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solubilizing agent performs preliminary action by pre-combining with the target molecule to form a composite body that is readily soluble in the carrier liquid, eliminating the need for complex subsequent processing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach enables high-sensitivity detection of target molecules by converting them into a more detectable state, allowing for accurate detection even when the number of molecules is small, with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Implementation Method 1

combining a target molecule and a solubilizing agent with each other and thereby creating a composite body, capture the target molecule in a carrier liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

making the composite body release the target molecule therefrom in the carrier liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotochemical effect: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 3

making the composite body release the target molecule therefrom in the carrier liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal effect: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 4

making the composite body release the target molecule therefrom in the carrier liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH effect:

Implementation Method 5

carry out detection of the target molecule in the carrier liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11635428B2Molecule detecting device and molecule detecting method

Publication Date: 2023.04.25

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a molecule detecting device includes a capturing section, a releasing section, and a detecting section. The capturing section is configured to, by combining a target molecule and a solubilizing agent with each other and thereby creating a composite body, capture the target molecule in a carrier liquid. The releasing section is configured to make the composite body release the target molecule therefrom in the carrier liquid. The detecting section is configured to carry out detection of the target molecule in the carrier liquid.