Thermoelectric Sensor for Gas Analytes Using Pyroelectric Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for sensing analytes in gases are expensive, cumbersome, and require skilled operators, making them impractical for field or home use, especially for applications like breath analysis where portability and accuracy are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric sensor system that includes a fluid collecting device, an analyte interactant, a modulator, and a thermal sensing device with a pyroelectric element, allowing for real-time, accurate detection of analytes in a gas stream without the need for extensive equipment or trained personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional systems for sensing analytes in gases are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential thermal sensing function from complex gas analysis systems. By using a simple thermopile sensor that detects temperature changes from chemical reactions, the system achieves accurate analyte detection without requiring complex instrumentation, skilled operators, or expensive support equipment typically found in laboratory settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable test strips containing analyte interactants that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, maintainable, and operator-skilled equipment. The test strips are inexpensive, portable, and require no specialized training to use, making the system ideal for field and home applications.
2Measurement precision
If conventional analyte sensing systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated thermal detection. The thermopile sensor automatically detects temperature changes caused by analyte interaction with the test strip, eliminating the need for skilled operators to perform complex manual analysis. The device is as easy to use as applying a conventional test strip, requiring no specialized training or expertise.
3Ease of operation
If portable breath analysis devices are developed, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from complex spectral or chromatographic analysis to simple temperature change measurement. This parameter change enables portable, easy-to-use devices while maintaining measurement precision through the high sensitivity of thermopile sensors to temperature variations caused by chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic analysis systems with a simple thermal detection mechanism. The thermopile sensor directly measures temperature changes from chemical reactions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components, skilled operators, and expensive support equipment, thereby achieving both portability and accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If field-ready analyte sensing systems are created, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but device complexity must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function into a simple, self-contained unit combining the test strip with the thermopile sensor. This segmentation creates a portable, easy-to-use device that can be operated in the field without requiring complex support equipment, while maintaining the ability to detect analytes with sufficient precision for practical applications.
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 non-invasive, portable, and cost-effective sensing of analytes in gases, such as acetone, with high accuracy, suitable for medical and environmental monitoring applications.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal sensing device comprising at least one pyroelectric device thermally coupled to the fluid collecting device to generate a first signal in response to at least one of the first change in thermal energy and the second change in thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
an analyte interactant in fluid communication with the fluid collecting device, wherein the analyte interactant, when contacted by the analyte, reacts to cause a first change in thermal energy within the fluid collecting device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid collecting device configured to collect the fluid containing the analyte; a fluid input in fluid communication with the fluid collecting device configured to input the fluid containing the analyte into the fluid collecting device, an analyte interactant in fluid communication with the fluid collecting device, wherein the analyte interactant, when contacted by the analyte, reacts to cause a first change in thermal energy within the fluid collecting device; a modulator that causes a second change in thermal energy; a thermal sensing device comprising at least one pyroelectric device thermally coupled to the fluid collecting device to generate a first signal in response to at least one of the first change in thermal energy and the second change in thermal energy; a control device operatively coupled to the thermal sensing device and the modulator that generates a second signal, wherein the second signal comprises information useful in characterizing the analyte. A related method also is disclosed.