Submicron Particle Detection via Differential Mobility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting viruses in environmental samples are cumbersome, expensive, and prone to false positives, and cannot efficiently monitor for all strains or new viruses due to their reliance on biochemical reagents and limited detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A compact, automated system that separates and detects submicron-sized particles based on size and density using a microscale compact field charger, differential mobility classifier, and particle counter, allowing for real-time monitoring without altering the particles, thus enhancing accuracy and reducing false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If biochemical reagent based methods (PCR, antibody-based methods) are used to detect viruses, then detection specificity for known viruses is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and false positives occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex biochemical systems (PCR, antibody-based methods) with a physical measurement system based on differential mobility analysis and condensation nucleus counting. This substitution eliminates the need for biochemical reagents, complex sample preparation, and intensive labor while maintaining detection capability through physical properties measurement of particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified measurement model by using condensation nucleus counters that detect particles based on their physical properties (size, mobility) rather than requiring complex biochemical identification. This copying approach allows detection of viral particles through their physical characteristics alone, bypassing the need for virus-specific reagents.
2Measurement precision
If biochemical reagent based methods are used, then detection capability for specific viruses is improved, but adaptability to new or unknown viruses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection system that measures physical properties (size, mobility) common to all viral particles rather than requiring virus-specific reagents. This multi-functional approach enables the same system to detect known viruses, unknown viruses, and mutant strains equally effectively, providing broad adaptability across different viral threats.
3Measurement precision
If centrifugal techniques and differential mobility analysis are used to separate particles, then measurement precision for particle size and density is improved, but loss of time in sample processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs particle separation and concentration as a preliminary action before detection, using centrifugal techniques and differential mobility analysis to pre-sort particles by size and density. This preliminary classification enriches the sample with target-sized particles, reducing the time needed for subsequent detection and minimizing the impact of processing time on overall speed.
4Measurement precision
If condensation nucleus counters are used to detect particles, then detection sensitivity for submicron particles is improved, but particles are adversely altered rendering them useless for further testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary detection information (particle count, size distribution) from the sample using condensation nucleus counters, while leaving the particles themselves physically intact and chemically unaltered. By taking out only the measurement data needed for detection and avoiding any modification of the particles, the system maintains particle integrity for potential further analysis or confirmation testing.
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
The system enables efficient, cost-effective, and rapid detection of viruses in a single test, capable of monitoring various strains and unknown viruses, with high accuracy and minimal setup time, while preserving the integrity of the detected particles for further testing.
Implementation Method 1
a microscale compact field charger for charging the submicron-sized particles
Implementation Method 2
a microscale differential mobility classifier for separating the charged submicron-sized particles into size ranges as a function of their electrical mobility
Implementation Method 3
a liquid, such as butyl alcohol, is condensed on the particles so they grow to a diameter of about a micrometer
Implementation Method 4
They are then large enough to scatter an appreciable amount of light. By passing these particles through a beam of light, flashes of light are produced
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sampling and separating submicron-sized particles to detect the presence of an agent such as viruses in an environmental sample, which includes collecting means for collecting a sample suspected of containing submicron-sized particles from the environment, size separation means receiving the submicron-sized particles from the collecting means for separating the submicron-sized particles based on size into at least one size range, and a microscale particle counter adapted for counting the size separated submicron-sized particles received from the size separation means. The particle counter includes at least one cantilever each corresponding to submicron-sized particles of a particular size range, wherein the cantilever is deflectable from a first to a second position to permit passage of the submicron-sized particle therethrough, and wherein the corresponding deflection of the cantilever generates a count signal.