Portable Biological Sample Analysis Device for Soil Respiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the rate of deterioration of biological samples like soil and compost are cumbersome and inconvenient, particularly due to the large size of devices like flux chambers and the need for partial disposal of smaller units after each use.
Innovation Solution
A portable, reusable device with a gas-tight enclosure and a data collection and analysis unit that uses an infrared sensor to detect gas emissions, coupled with a computer microchip for data analysis, allowing for continuous data display and connection to computing devices for extended data interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flux chamber is used to measure soil respiration, then measurement capability is provided, but the device becomes large and difficult to move between testing sites
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the measurement system into separate functional modules: a portable data collection unit with infrared sensor, a separate gas-tight enclosure for samples, and an external computing device for data analysis. This segmentation allows the core measurement electronics to be compact and portable while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable data collection unit as an intermediary between the gas-tight enclosure and the computing device. This intermediary collects and pre-processes data in the field, then transfers it via USB connection, enabling portable operation without requiring the full analysis system to be mobile.
2Weight of moving object
If smaller handheld CO2 devices are used, then portability is improved, but the devices cannot collect, store and interpret data in a single unit and require disposal after each use
Solution Approach 1:
The data collection unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it collects CO2 data via infrared sensor, stores data in memory, pre-processes the data, and transfers it to external computing devices for further analysis. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate collection, storage, and analysis devices while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the data collection unit reusable by separating it from the consumable sample containers. The electronic data collection device can be cleaned and reused across multiple testing sessions, while only the inexpensive sample containers are discarded, eliminating the need to discard expensive electronic equipment after each use.
3Ease of operation
If a portable device is used, then ease of movement between sites is improved, but the device must be free-standing and reusable for repeated testing
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary data collection and processing in the field before transferring data to external computing devices. This preliminary action ensures data integrity is established at the source while allowing the portable unit to be simple and reliable, with complex analysis performed later in a controlled environment.
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 efficient, portable measurement and analysis of carbon dioxide respiration rates in biological samples, allowing for repeated testing with the same device and providing accurate, standardized results.
Implementation Method 1
The data collection and analysis unit includes a conventional infrared ('IR') sensor that detects gas emissions, such as, for example, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, or oxygen.
Data Source
AI summary
A biological sample analysis device that is an easily portable free-standing device for determining the rate of deterioration of biological samples.