Handheld NO Sensor with Buffer Chamber for Breath Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic devices for measuring endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled breath are bulky, expensive, and lack portability, accuracy, and reliability, especially when using electrochemical sensors which have long response times and are sensitive to contaminants and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with an electrochemical NO sensor, a buffer chamber for storing exhaled air, and means to control flow and temperature, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements by interfacing physiological and procedural parameters with sensor requirements, using a scrubber for NO-free air inhalation and a flow regulator to maintain precise exhalation flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chemiluminescence determination of NO is used, then measurement accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of NO detection from the complex chemiluminescence system, using a simplified electrochemical sensor that directly measures NO concentration without requiring ozone generation, vacuum pumping, or dehumidification subsystems. This extraction of the core measurement function resolves the contradiction by maintaining accuracy while eliminating unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable electrochemical NO sensors that are inexpensive and replaceable, replacing the expensive and complex chemiluminescence detection system. These disposable sensors provide sufficient measurement accuracy for clinical use while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost, directly resolving the identified contradiction.
2Weight of moving object
If electrochemical sensor is used, then device portability and cost are improved, but response time increases and sensitivity to environmental factors worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-conditioning the exhaled breath sample through temperature equilibration and flow regulation before it reaches the electrochemical sensor. This preparation ensures the sensor operates under optimal, stable conditions, compensating for its inherently slower response time and environmental sensitivity while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electrochemical sensor by controlling temperature, flow rate, and humidity of the breath sample. By optimizing these parameters, the sensor achieves adequate response time and reduced environmental sensitivity while maintaining the portability advantages of the electrochemical approach.
3Weight of moving object
If electrochemical sensor is used, then device portability is improved, but sensitivity to contaminants and environmental factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components between the breath sample and the electrochemical sensor, including temperature equilibration chambers and flow regulation systems. These intermediaries condition the sample to reduce contaminants and environmental variations before they reach the sensor, protecting the portable device from harmful factors while maintaining electrochemical sensor advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the breath sample (temperature, flow rate, humidity) before it contacts the electrochemical sensor. By optimizing these parameters, the system reduces the impact of contaminants and environmental factors on the sensor while preserving the portability benefits of using an electrochemical sensor.
4Measurement precision
If buffer chamber is used to store exhaled air, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by storing only a portion of the exhaled breath in the buffer chamber rather than the entire exhalation. This selective buffering provides sufficient sample for accurate measurement while minimizing the time delay, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and measurement duration.
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 accurate and reliable NO measurements in the ppb range (0-200 ppb) with improved sensitivity and reduced interference, making it suitable for clinical and point-of-care use without compromising accuracy, and is more cost-effective and user-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
the first tailor-made NO analyser for routine clinical use with asthma patients... are based on chemiluminescence determination of NO
Implementation Method 2
a buffer chamber for temporarily storing a portion of the exhaled air
Implementation Method 3
an inlet/outlet through which a patient inhales NO-free air through a scrubber
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld, small but accurate and reliable device for diagnostic NO measurements using a NO sensor, where the parameters governing the taking of the sample are different from the parameters optimal for the accuracy of said NO sensor I described. By temporarily storing a portion of the exhaled air, and feeding this to the sensor at a flow rate adapted to the NO sensor, the accuracy and sensitivity of a system/method involving NO sensors, in particular electrochemical NO sensors, can be increased. The method for diagnostic NO measurements comprises steps for controlling the inhalation of NO free air, as well as the exhalation, both by built-in means and by audible and/or visual feedback to the patient.