Wearable Bio-Aerosol Detection With Single-Sensor Optical Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bio-aerosol detection apparatuses are bulky, heavy, and power-hungry, making them impractical for wearability and transportability, and they often rely on multiple photomultiplier tubes that increase size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A wearable bio-aerosol detection apparatus with a compact design, internal air intakes and outlets, reduced power consumption, and a single bio-fluorescence detector, integrated with a user interface for real-time threat level display and alert, allowing wearability and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple photomultiplier tubes are used for bio-aerosol detection, then detection capability is improved, but device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates multiple photomultiplier tubes from the detection system, retaining only a single photomultiplier tube while achieving comparable detection capability through optimized optical pathways and fluorescence detection methods. This reduction in component count directly decreases device weight while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple photomultiplier tubes into a single integrated detection system that combines fluorescence excitation and detection pathways. By consolidating multiple detection functions into one unified system with optimized optical elements, the patent achieves reduced weight while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
2Productivity
If external air intakes are used for bio-aerosol detection, then air sampling capability is improved, but overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested air intake pathways where air is drawn through the device body through internally routed channels and ports. The air intake system is nested within the device housing structure, utilizing the device's own volume for air sampling pathways rather than requiring external protruding intakes, thereby maintaining compact form factor while preserving air sampling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from external three-dimensional air intakes to internalized air sampling pathways that utilize the device's internal volume and structure. By routing air intake channels through the device body and utilizing internal cavities, the patent achieves air sampling functionality without increasing external device dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If high power consumption is used for bio-aerosol detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but battery size and device weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic illumination cycles where the fluorescence excitation light is activated in intermittent pulses rather than continuously. This periodic operation mode maintains detection sensitivity by providing sufficient illumination for accurate measurements while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation, thereby enabling smaller battery capacity and reduced device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes detection parameters including illumination intensity, pulse duration, and detection gain to achieve maximum detection sensitivity with minimum power consumption. By carefully tuning these parameters, the system maintains high measurement precision while operating at reduced power levels, eliminating the need for larger batteries and reducing overall device weight.
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 apparatus is small enough to be worn on clothing, provides real-time bio-threat alerts, and reduces power consumption, enhancing usability and mobility while maintaining detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a bio fluorescing light configured to illuminate the open cavity
Implementation Method 2
a single bio-fluorescence detection sensor configured to observe the open cavity
Implementation Method 3
a light reducing beam dump configured to receive excess light from the bio-fluorescing light illuminating the open cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for bio-aerosol detection includes a user interface disposed on an outer housing, the user interface comprising a multi-select switch, a display screen, a status LED, and an alert LED. The system for bio-aerosol detection further includes a bio-aerosol detection unit comprising: an open cavity configured to receive air from the inlet and exhaust air to the outlet, a bio-fluorescing light configured to illuminate the open cavity, a single bio-fluorescence detection sensor configured to observe the open cavity, a light reducing beam dump configured to receive excess light from the bio-fluorescing light.