Rotor VOC Concentrator for On-Site Sample Purity and Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting and analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemical substances are inefficient, often leading to dilution and contamination, and require complex transport and additional steps that prolong analysis time.
Innovation Solution
A fluid concentrator system with a rotor that separates VOCs and other chemical substances from other fluids using centrifugal force, allowing for on-site concentration and analysis without additional gases or liquids, utilizing a housing, rotor, and optional magnetic bearings for high-speed rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing devices are used for collecting and analyzing VOCs, then analysis can be performed, but the signal-to-noise ratio is poor due to dilution and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the target analyte (VOCs) from the fluid mixture using a rotor that isolates the volatile compounds from other fluids through centrifugal separation, thereby concentrating the analyte and improving the signal-to-noise ratio without requiring additional gases or liquids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and concentration parameters of the VOCs by rotating the rotor at controlled speeds to separate and concentrate the volatile organic compounds from the original fluid mixture, enhancing detectability
2Measurement precision
If complex transport and additional steps are used, then VOCs can be analyzed, but analysis time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines collection, concentration, and analysis functions into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate transport steps and additional processing equipment, thereby reducing analysis time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-contained operation where the rotor automatically separates and concentrates VOCs from the fluid mixture without requiring external intervention, additional reagents, or complex transport procedures, enabling rapid on-site analysis
3Quantity of substance
If existing collection methods are used, then VOCs can be gathered, but contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor extracts and isolates VOCs from the fluid mixture through centrifugal separation, removing the analyte from potential contamination sources and creating a clean, concentrated sample for analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor acts as an intermediary separation mechanism between the fluid mixture and the analysis detector, using centrifugal force to selectively separate VOCs from other fluids and prevent contamination during the analysis process
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
Enhances the signal-to-noise ratio for VOC detection by concentrating the substances before analysis, reducing contamination risks, and enabling faster, more accurate analysis at the collection site.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the rotor relative to the housing separates the fluid to be sensed from other fluid of the fluid mixture
Implementation Method 2
the bearing system may be a magnetic bearing system
Data Source
AI summary
Concentrating devices, systems, and methods include those for separating fluids to be sensed (e.g., analytes, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and/or other chemical substances) from other fluid (e.g., a carrier gas, air, etc.) of a fluid mixture received from a target area of a subject's anatomy (e.g., a subject's skin, a wound on a subject, etc.). In some cases, the concentration system may include a housing and a rotor positioned in a compartment of the housing. The housing may receive a fluid mixture in the compartment and rotation of the rotor relative to the housing may separate fluid to be sensed in the fluid mixture from other fluid of the fluid mixture.