Time-Division Photoionization Sensor for Low-Loss VOC Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional VOC detectors using FAIMS techniques are large, complex, and inefficient due to separate regions for ionization, separation, and detection, leading to ion loss and increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A PID VOC sensor that integrates ionization, separation, and detection phases within a single physical region, utilizing a single set of electrodes and a switch to alternate between separation and detection modes, reducing size and complexity while minimizing ion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate regions are used for ionization, separation, and detection, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ionization, separation, and detection functions into a single integrated detecting region. The ionization device, interdigital poles for separation, and detection electrode all operate within the same physical space, eliminating the need for separate regions and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting region serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the ionization chamber, the separation region for FAIMS, and the detection zone. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining the reliability of each individual function.
2Reliability
If separate regions are used for ionization, separation, and detection, then each process can occur optimally, but ion loss increases during transfer between regions
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all processes into one detecting region, the patent eliminates the physical transfer of ions between separate regions. Ions remain in the same space throughout ionization, separation, and detection, preventing ion loss that would occur during inter-regional transfer.
3Productivity
If the ionization source operates continuously, then detection can occur at any time, but the ionization source lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation where the ionization device is activated only during ionization phases and turned off during detection phases. The switch alternates between connecting the second interdigital pole to the compensation voltage source (during ionization) and to the processing device (during detection), allowing the ionization source to rest and extend its lifespan while maintaining detection capability through periodic cycles.
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 integrated design enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of VOC detection, reduces the overall size and complexity of the sensor, and prolongs the life of the ionization source by allowing it to be switched off during detection.
Implementation Method 1
a ionization device configured to interact with the gas within the detecting region creating a plurality of ionized gas molecules
Implementation Method 2
leveraging differences in high-field and low-field ion mobility of target VOCs, to detect VOCs in a gas
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a gas is provided. An example VOC detector (400) may include a processing device (412) and a detecting region (404). The detecting region may further include a first interdigital pole (202) electrically connected to a separation voltage source (406), a second interdigital pole (206) electrically connected to a switch (408), and an ionization device (402) configured to interact with the gas within the detecting region to create a plurality of ionized gas molecules (416). To facilitate detection of VOCs, the switch may alternate the connection of the second interdigital pole between a compensation voltage source (410) and the processing device (412). The processing device may determine a number of volatile organic compounds in the gas based at least in part on a number of ionized gas molecules that contact the second interdigital pole while the second interdigital pole is electrically connected to the processing device.