Integrated pump system for a gas detector and method therefor

Abstract

This invention relates to an integrated pump system for a gas detector and a method thereof. Systems, apparatus, and methods for gas detection are disclosed. An exemplary system is a device including a gas detector and a pump housing coupled to the gas detector. The gas detector includes a first plurality of terminal electrodes, a plurality of switches, and a first infrared (IR) sensor. The pump housing includes a pump, a second plurality of terminal electrodes, a plurality of magnets, and a second infrared (IR) sensor. The second plurality of electrodes are configured to align with the first plurality of terminal electrodes. The plurality of magnets are configured to control the plurality of switches to enable or disable the flow of electricity from the first plurality of terminal electrodes to the second plurality of terminal electrodes to operate the pump to detect the presence of gas. The second IR sensor is configured to communicate with the first IR sensor of the gas detector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to gas detection systems, and more particularly to gas detection systems with integrated external pumps. Background Technology

[0002] Gas detectors are available with either internal or external pumps. Gas detectors equipped with external pumps face several operational challenges, such as high costs, driven by the need for a separate display and a long probe used to connect the external pump to the gas detector. The separate display and long probe increase complexity and both production and maintenance costs. Additionally, external pumps typically require a separate battery power supply, increasing the overall load on the gas detector. Operators must monitor the power levels of both the gas detector and the external pump, leading to inefficiencies and operational difficulties, especially in environments where rapid, reliable monitoring is critical. This complexity of simultaneously managing the gas detector, external pump, separate display, and long probe, along with the frequent maintenance required due to probe wear, further increases costs and reduces ease of use.

[0003] The inventors have identified numerous areas for improvement in the prior art and processes, which are the subjects of the embodiments described herein. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these deficiencies, challenges, and problems have been addressed by developing solutions included in the embodiments according to this disclosure, some examples of which are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A simplified overview is given below to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure. This overview is not an extensive summary and is neither intended to identify key or important elements nor to depict the scope of such elements. Its purpose is to present some ideas of the described features in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0005] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gas detector. The gas detector includes a first plurality of terminal electrodes, a plurality of switches, and a first infrared (IR) sensor. The apparatus also includes a pump housing coupled to the gas detector. The pump housing includes a pump. The pump housing also includes a second plurality of terminal electrodes configured to align with the first plurality of terminal electrodes. The pump housing also includes a plurality of magnets configured to control the multiple switches to enable or disable the flow of electricity from the first plurality of terminal electrodes to the second plurality of terminal electrodes to operate the pump to detect the presence of gas. The pump housing also includes a second infrared (IR) sensor configured to communicate with the first IR sensor of the gas detector.

[0006] In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw air through a gas inlet port of the pump housing and deliver the air to a plurality of gas sensors through a plurality of gas outlet ports to detect the presence of gas.

[0007] In some embodiments, the pump housing also includes a slot that defines a J-shaped profile for connecting a gas detector to the pump housing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first plurality of terminal electrodes includes a first power terminal electrode and a first ground terminal electrode, and the second plurality of terminal electrodes includes a second power terminal electrode and a second ground terminal electrode.

[0009] In some embodiments, the gas detector further includes a battery management unit connected to a first power terminal electrode and a battery connected to a first plurality of terminal electrodes. The pump housing also includes a power management unit and a plurality of gas output ports.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of switches include a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch connected to a first power terminal electrode and a single-pole single-throw (SPST) switch connected to a battery.

[0011] In some embodiments, the SPDT switch and SPST switch are configured such that, in response to the magnetic field of the plurality of magnets, the SPDT switch is in an open state and the SPST switch is in a closed state when the pump housing is connected to the gas detector. The SPDT switch and SPST switch are also configured such that, in response to the magnetic field of the plurality of magnets, the SPDT switch is in a closed state and the SPST switch is in an open state when the pump housing is not connected to the gas detector.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the SPDT switch is in the open state and the SPST switch is in the closed state, the battery is configured to transfer power to the pump via the first power terminal electrode and the second power terminal electrode.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the SPDT switch is closed and the SPST switch is open, the battery management unit is configured to control the supply of power received from an external power source to recharge the battery.

[0014] In some embodiments, the SPST switch is positioned in a different direction than the SPDT switch, such that the SPST switch is configured to be sensitive to a magnetic field direction different from that of the SPDT switch.

[0015] In another example embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes the step of coupling a pump housing to a gas detector. The gas detector includes a first plurality of terminal electrodes, a plurality of switches, and a first infrared (IR) sensor. The pump housing includes a pump. The pump housing also includes a second plurality of terminal electrodes configured to align with the first plurality of terminal electrodes. The pump housing also includes a plurality of magnets configured to control the multiple switches to enable or disable the flow of electricity from the first plurality of terminal electrodes to the second plurality of terminal electrodes to operate the pump to detect the presence of gas. The pump housing also includes a second infrared (IR) sensor configured to communicate with the first IR sensor of the gas detector.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method includes the step of drawing air through a gas inlet port of a pump housing. The method also includes the step of delivering air through a plurality of gas outlet ports to a plurality of gas sensors in a gas detector. The method further includes the step of detecting the presence of a gas using one or more of the plurality of gas sensors.

[0017] The above description of the invention is provided merely to outline some exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of this disclosure in any way. It will be understood that, in addition to the embodiments outlined herein, the scope of this disclosure covers many potential embodiments, some of which will be further described below. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described in general terms. Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 The illustration shows a circuit diagram of an apparatus including a pump housing and a gas detector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 The illustration shows a side view of a gas detector integrated into a slot in a pump housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3A The illustration shows a front view of a pump housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3B The illustration shows a side view of a pump housing including a slot according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4A The illustration shows a front view of a gas detector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4BA side view of a gas detector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated; and

[0025] Figure 5 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for detecting the presence of a gas according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Some embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, of the embodiments. In fact, various embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements.

[0027] The components shown in the accompanying drawings represent components that may or may not be present in the various embodiments of this disclosure described herein, such that embodiments may include fewer or more components than those shown in the drawings without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Some components may be omitted from one or more figures, or shown in dashed lines so that components below are visible.

[0028] As used herein, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to” and should be interpreted in the manner typically used in the patent context. The use of broader terms such as “comprising,” “including,” and “having” should be understood to be supported by narrower terms such as “consisting of,” “substantially composed of,” and “substantially constituted of.”

[0029] The phrases “in various embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” etc., generally mean that the specific feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of this disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0030] The terms “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0031] If the specification states that a component or feature "may," "can," "is able to," "should," "will," "preferably," "possibly," "typically," "optionally," "for example," "often," or "may" (or other such language) be included or have that characteristic, then it is not required that a particular component or feature be included or have that characteristic. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments or may be excluded.

[0032] This disclosure provides various embodiments of systems, apparatus, and methods for gas detection. Embodiments may include a device having a gas detector and a pump housing. Embodiments may be configured to control multiple switches to enable or disable the flow of electricity from a first plurality of terminal electrodes to a second plurality of terminal electrodes to operate a pump to detect the presence of gas. Embodiments may also be configured to draw air through a gas inlet port of the pump housing and deliver the air through multiple gas outlet ports to multiple gas sensors to detect the presence of gas. Embodiments may also be configured to respond to magnetic fields of multiple magnets. Embodiments may be configured to transmit power to the pump via a first power terminal electrode and a second power terminal electrode. Embodiments may also be configured to control the supply of power received from an external power source to recharge a battery.

[0033] Figure 1 The illustration shows a circuit diagram of a device 100 including a pump housing 104 and a gas detector 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] In some embodiments, device 100 may include a gas detector 102 and a pump housing 104. In some embodiments, gas detector 102 may be configured to detect the presence of gas in its vicinity. Gas detector 102 can ensure personnel safety by warning of potential gas leaks or gas concentrations. The gas may also correspond to a toxic gas. Gas detector 102 can be widely used in industrial, commercial, and residential environments. Gas detector 102 can be configured to detect the presence of gas and prevent accidents, health hazards, or explosions caused by the presence of gas.

[0035] In some embodiments, the gas detector 102 can be configured to detect gases. Gases may include, but are not limited to, carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and oxygen (O2). Once a gas is detected, the gas detector 102 can measure the concentration of the detected gas and compare the measured concentration with a predetermined threshold. If the measured gas concentration exceeds the predetermined threshold, the gas detector 102 can issue an alarm.

[0036] In some embodiments, the gas detector 102 may include a first plurality of terminal electrodes, a plurality of switches, and a first infrared (IR) sensor 116. The first plurality of terminal electrodes may include a first power terminal electrode 106 and a first ground terminal electrode 108. In addition, the plurality of switches may include a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch 110 connected to the first power terminal electrode 106 and a single-pole single-throw (SPST) switch 112 connected to the battery 114.

[0037] In some embodiments, the gas detector main system 118 may include a plurality of gas sensors. The plurality of gas sensors may be configured to detect the presence of a gas or a combination of gases. The combination of gases may include, but is not limited to, CO, H2S, and O2. The plurality of gas sensors may generate a measurable electrical signal in response to the presence of a gas. In some embodiments, the gas detector 102 may include a battery 114 and a battery management unit 120. The battery 114 may correspond to a rechargeable battery. The battery management unit 120 may monitor battery levels, manage charging cycles, and optimize the power flow to the device 100.

[0038] In some embodiments, device 100 may include a pump housing 104. Pump housing 104 may include a pump 122, a second plurality of terminal electrodes, a plurality of magnets 128, and a second infrared (IR) sensor 130. The second plurality of terminal electrodes may include a second power terminal electrode 124 and a second ground terminal electrode 126. In some embodiments, pump housing 104 may correspond to a pumping unit. Pump housing 104 may be configured to sample gas from the vicinity of gas detector 102. Pump housing 104 may also be configured to continuously draw in gas (e.g., gas) through an input port of pump housing. Figure 2 (as shown in the image).

[0039] In some embodiments, a second plurality of terminal electrodes may be configured to align with a first plurality of terminal electrodes. A second power terminal electrode 124 may be configured to align with a first power terminal electrode 106. Furthermore, a second ground terminal electrode 126 may be configured to align with a first ground terminal electrode 108. The second power terminal electrode 124 may be configured to receive electrical energy from the gas detector 102. Additionally, the second ground terminal electrode 126 may be aligned with the first ground terminal electrode 108 to complete the electrical circuit. In some embodiments, when the pump housing 104 is physically attached to the gas detector 102, the second plurality of terminal electrodes may be aligned with the first plurality of terminal electrodes.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pump housing 104 may further include a power management unit 132. The power management unit 132 can regulate the power flow from the battery 114 of the gas detector 102 through aligned first plurality of terminal electrodes, second plurality of terminal electrodes, and to the pump 122. The power management unit 132 can manage power distribution to ensure that the pump 122 can operate efficiently without causing excessive consumption of the battery 114. The power management unit 132 can also be configured to manage the operation of the pump housing 104. The power management unit 132 can also be configured to manage the power flow between the pump housing 104 and the gas detector 102.

[0041] In some embodiments, the power management unit 132 can be configured to distribute a desired amount of power to the pump 122. The power management unit 132 can also ensure that the pump housing 104 does not draw excessive power from the gas detector 102. The power management unit 132 can be configured to activate the pump 122 by allowing the gas detector 102 to supply power to the pump housing 104.

[0042] In some embodiments, the plurality of magnets 128 may be configured to control a plurality of switches to enable or disable the flow of electricity from a first plurality of terminal electrodes to a second plurality of terminal electrodes to operate the pump 122 to detect the presence of gas. Furthermore, a second IR sensor 130 may be configured to communicate with a first IR sensor 116 of the gas detector 102. In some embodiments, the first plurality of terminal electrodes and the second plurality of terminal electrodes may be configured to exchange power between the pump housing 104 and the gas detector 102.

[0043] In some embodiments, SPDT switch 110 and SPST switch 112 can be configured to be in response to the magnetic field of the plurality of magnets 128, such that when pump housing 104 is connected to gas detector 102, SPDT switch 110 can be in an open state and SPST switch 112 can be in a closed state. Furthermore, when SPDT switch 110 is in the open state and SPST switch 112 is in the closed state, battery 114 can be configured to transmit power to pump 122 via first power terminal electrode 106 and second power terminal electrode 124.

[0044] In some embodiments, SPDT switch 110 and SPST switch 112 can be configured to be in response to the magnetic field of the plurality of magnets 128, such that when pump housing 104 is not connected to gas detector 102, SPDT switch 110 can be in a closed state and SPST switch 112 can be in an open state. Furthermore, when SPDT switch 110 is in a closed state and SPST switch 112 is in an open state, battery management unit 120 can be configured to control the supply of power received from an external power source to recharge battery 114.

[0045] In some embodiments, the open and closed states of SPDT switch 110 and SPST switch 112 can be controlled by the proximity or alignment of pump housing 104 with gas detector 102. When pump housing 104 is properly attached to gas detector 102, a magnetic field can be applied to SPDT switch 110 and SPST switch 112 to set SPDT switch 110 and SPST switch 112 to the corresponding states.

[0046] In some embodiments, a plurality of magnets 128 may be configured to align with a plurality of switches. The plurality of magnets 128 may include two magnets in one or more directions. Furthermore, the plurality of switches may include two magnetic switches. The two magnetic switches may correspond to SPDT switch 110 and SPST switch 112. In some embodiments, SPST switch 112 may be positioned in a different direction than SPDT switch 110, such that SPST switch 112 may be configured to be sensitive to a magnetic field direction different from that of SPDT switch 110.

[0047] In some embodiments, the gas detector 102 can be configured to switch between one or more operating modes within the gas detector 102. One or more operating modes may include a charging mode and a reverse power supply mode. In charging mode, the first power terminal electrode 106 can be configured to charge the battery 114. In reverse power supply mode, the gas detector 102 can supply power to the pump housing 104 via the first power terminal electrode 106. The SPDT switch 110 can be sensitive to the direction of the magnetic field and can be triggered only when a corresponding magnet among the plurality of magnets 128 positioned on the pump structure 102 is aligned in a desired direction. In some embodiments, when the pump housing 104 can be inserted into the gas detector 102, the SPDT switch 110 can detect the magnetic field from a corresponding magnet among the plurality of magnets 128 positioned on the pump housing 104 and can switch from the charging mode to the reverse power supply mode. The SPDT switch 110 can be configured to allow the gas detector 102 to supply power to the pump housing 104.

[0048] In some embodiments, SPST switch 112 may be configured to prevent SPDT switch 110 from being erroneously triggered by an ambient magnetic field. SPST switch 112 may be configured to ensure that SPDT switch 110 does not accidentally switch from one or more operating modes to a different operating mode. In some embodiments, SPST switch 112 may be placed in a different orientation than SPDT switch 110. SPST switch 112 may be sensitive to magnetic fields with orientations different from those of the magnetic fields to which SPDT switch 110 is sensitive.

[0049] Figure 2 The illustration shows a side view of a gas detector 102 integrated into a slot 300 of a pump housing 104 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3A The illustration shows a front view of a pump housing 104 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B The illustration shows a side view of a pump housing 104 including a slot 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A The illustration shows a front view of a gas detector 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4BA side view of a gas detector 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the gas detector 102 is placed within the slot 300 of the pump housing 104, the gas detector 102 and the pump housing 104 can be connected to each other. Furthermore, when the gas detector 102 is placed within the slot 300 of the pump housing 104, the first IR sensor 116 in the gas detector 102 can send one or more commands to the second IR sensor 130 in the pump housing 104. One or more commands can allow the gas detector 102 to control the pump 122. In some embodiments, if the gas detector 102 is removed from the slot 300 of the pump housing 104, the first IR sensor 116 and the second IR sensor 130 can cease communicating with each other, and the gas detector 102 can automatically recognize changes in configuration.

[0051] In some embodiments, a second IR sensor 130 in the pump housing 104 can establish a direct infrared communication link with a first IR sensor 116 located within the gas detector 102. The first IR sensor 116 and the second IR sensor 130 can be configured to allow the gas detector 102 and the pump housing 104 to communicate wirelessly with each other. This direct infrared communication link between the gas detector 102 and the pump housing 104 allows the gas detector 102 to configure or control the pump 122 without requiring additional wiring or complex physical connections.

[0052] In some embodiments, the pump housing 104 may further include a slot 300 that defines a J-shaped profile for connecting the gas detector 102 to the pump housing 104. The slot 300 may correspond to a dedicated slot or recess formed within the pump housing 104, shaped to resemble the letter "J". The slot 300 may be designed to securely hold or connect the gas detector 102 to the pump housing 104. When the gas detector 102 is connected to the pump housing 104, the slot 300 also ensures proper mechanical alignment and provides a manner for correctly connecting the first plurality of terminal electrodes to the second plurality of terminal electrodes.

[0053] In some embodiments, pump 122 can be configured to draw air in via gas inlet port 202 of pump housing 104 and deliver the air to multiple gas sensors 200 via multiple gas outlet ports 204 to detect the presence of gas. Pump 122 in pump housing 104 can draw air from the external environment through gas inlet port 202. Gas inlet port 202 on pump housing 104 may correspond to an air inlet point in pump housing 104. In some embodiments, pump housing 104 can become activated when gas detector 102 is connected to pump housing 104. When pump housing 104 becomes activated, pump 122 can generate a vacuum that draws air in through gas inlet port 202.

[0054] In some embodiments, pump 122 may be configured to move drawn-in air from gas inlet port 202 through pump housing 104 and deliver the drawn-in air to a plurality of gas sensors 200 located within gas detector 102. The plurality of gas sensors 200 may be configured to analyze the delivered air. Once the drawn-in air reaches the plurality of gas sensors 200, the plurality of gas sensors 200 can detect the presence and concentration of the gas. Detection of the presence and concentration of the gas can help monitor potential environmental hazards.

[0055] In some embodiments, the battery management unit 120 may be connected to a first power terminal electrode 106. The battery management unit 120 may be configured to interact with an external power source via the first power terminal electrode 106. The external power source may correspond to a charger. When the gas detector 102 is inserted into or connected to the external power source, power can flow from the external power source to the first power terminal electrode 106 to reach the battery management unit 120. The battery management unit 120 may be configured to control the charging process by adjusting the amount of current sent to the battery 114 based on the current charge level and capacity of the battery 114.

[0056] In some embodiments, a controlled charging process ensures safe and efficient charging of battery 114. The controlled charging process also prevents overcharging or overheating. Furthermore, battery management unit 120 can track important metrics to assess battery health. Important metrics may include, but are not limited to, voltage, current, and temperature. Additionally, battery management unit 120 can be configured to adjust power distribution to ensure optimal performance and lifespan of battery 114. In some embodiments, battery 114 can be connected to a first plurality of terminal electrodes. Battery 114 can be configured to provide power to different components of gas detector 102 through the first plurality of terminal electrodes.

[0057] In some embodiments, the pump housing 104 may further include a contactor plate 206. The contactor plate 206 may include a second plurality of terminal electrodes, a second IR sensor 130, and a plurality of magnets 128. The contactor plate 206 may facilitate the transmission of control signals between the gas detector 102 and the pump housing 104. In some embodiments, the pump housing 104 may further include a sealing ring 208. The sealing ring 208 may provide a robust and airtight connection between the pump housing 104 and the gas detector 102, thereby preventing leakage and ensuring proper gas flow through the gas inlet port 202 and the gas outlet port 204.

[0058] Figure 5 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method 500 for detecting the presence of a gas according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] In operation 502, method 500 may include the step of coupling a pump housing 104 to a gas detector 102. Coupling the pump housing 104 to the gas detector 102 may correspond to physically and electrically connecting the pump housing 104 to the gas detector 102. The coupling of the pump housing 104 and the gas detector 102 may be configured to align a first plurality of terminal electrodes to a second plurality of terminal electrodes. Furthermore, the coupling of the pump housing 104 and the gas detector 102 may be configured to align a plurality of switches to a plurality of magnets 128. Additionally, the coupling of the pump housing 104 and the gas detector 102 may allow electrical transmission from the gas detector 102 to the pump housing 104.

[0060] In operation 504, method 500 may include the step of drawing air through pump 122 via gas inlet port 202 of pump housing 104. Pump 122 may be configured to actively draw air into pump housing 104 through gas inlet port 202 located on pump housing 104.

[0061] In operation 506, method 500 may include the step of delivering air to multiple gas sensors 200 in gas detector 102 via multiple gas output ports 204. The air intake process using gas input ports 202 allows device 100 to sample the surrounding atmosphere and direct the drawn-in air toward the multiple gas sensors 200, which can then detect the presence of gas. The drawn-in air can be directed toward the multiple gas sensors 200 via the multiple gas output ports 204. Once pump 122 draws air into pump housing 104 through gas input ports 202, the air can then flow toward gas detector 102 via the multiple gas output ports 204. The multiple gas output ports 204 may correspond to outlet points that can deliver air from pump housing 104 to gas detector 102.

[0062] In operation 508, method 500 may include the step of detecting the presence of a gas using one or more of a plurality of gas sensors 200. Gas detector 102 may use a wide variety of gas sensors 200 to analyze air for a specific gas using specialized sensing techniques suitable for different types of gases. Each of the plurality of gas sensors 200 may be calibrated to detect a specific gas by measuring the changes caused when a gas interacts with the plurality of gas sensors 200. As air continuously flows through the plurality of gas sensors 200, gas detector 102 can interpret the data and determine the presence and concentration of the gas.

[0063] The disclosed device 100 offers several advantages, particularly in terms of reliability, energy efficiency, and safety. By utilizing a dual-switching mechanism in which the SPDT switch 110 and SPST switch 112 respond to different magnetic field directions, device 100 ensures precise control of the operation of pump 122. Device 100 prevents pump 122 from activating unless gas detector 102 and pump housing 104 are properly coupled, thereby reducing the risk of accidental or unintended operation of device 100. Additionally, the slot 300 for coupling gas detector 102 to pump housing 104 provides a robust and reliable mechanical connection, enhancing the overall stability and functionality of device 100. This disclosure directly integrates pump 122 with gas detector 102, eliminating the need for a separate power supply. This simplified configuration reduces equipment costs and operator complexity. The efficient coupling mechanism of device 100, utilizing multiple switches, enables seamless operation without the need to manage multiple devices simultaneously.

[0064] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art upon which it pertains, taking advantage of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although the foregoing description and associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may provide different combinations of elements and / or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated, as some may be set forth in the appended claims. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: Gas detector, comprising: First plurality of terminal electrodes; Multiple switches; and First infrared (IR) sensor; and A pump housing, which is connected to the gas detector, the pump housing comprising: Pump; A second plurality of terminal electrodes is configured to be aligned with the first plurality of terminal electrodes; Multiple magnets are configured to: control the multiple switches to enable or disable the flow of electricity from the first plurality of terminal electrodes to the second plurality of terminal electrodes, thereby operating the pump to detect the presence of gas; and A second infrared (IR) sensor is configured to communicate with the first IR sensor of the gas detector.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The pump is configured to draw air through a gas inlet port of the pump housing and deliver the air to multiple gas sensors via multiple gas outlet ports to detect the presence of the gas.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The pump housing also includes a slot that defines a J-shaped profile for connecting the gas detector to the pump housing.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The first plurality of terminal electrodes includes a first power terminal electrode and a first ground terminal electrode, and the second plurality of terminal electrodes includes a second power terminal electrode and a second ground terminal electrode.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The gas detector further includes a battery management unit connected to the first power terminal electrode and a battery connected to the first plurality of terminal electrodes, wherein the pump housing further includes a power management unit and a plurality of gas output ports.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of switches includes a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch connected to the first power terminal electrode and a single-pole single-throw (SPST) switch connected to the battery.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The SPDT switch and the SPST switch are configured to respond to the magnetic field of the plurality of magnets, such that: When the pump housing is connected to the gas detector, the SPDT switch is in the open state and the SPST switch is in the closed state; and When the pump housing is not connected to the gas detector, the SPDT switch is closed and the SPST switch is open.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein, When the SPDT switch is in the open state and the SPST switch is in the closed state, the battery is configured to transmit power to the pump via the first power terminal electrode and the second power terminal electrode.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein, When the SPDT switch is in the closed state and the SPST switch is in the open state, the battery management unit is configured to control the supply of power received from an external power source to recharge the battery.

10. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The SPST switch is positioned in a different direction than the SPDT switch, such that the SPST switch is configured to be sensitive to a magnetic field direction different from that of the SPDT switch.

11. A method comprising: Connect the pump housing to the gas detector, wherein the gas detector includes: First plurality of terminal electrodes; Multiple switches; and The first infrared (IR) sensor; and The pump housing includes: Pump; A second plurality of terminal electrodes is configured to be aligned with the first plurality of terminal electrodes; Multiple magnets are configured to: control the multiple switches to enable or disable the flow of electricity from the first plurality of terminal electrodes to the second plurality of terminal electrodes, thereby operating the pump to detect the presence of gas; and A second infrared (IR) sensor is configured to communicate with the first IR sensor of the gas detector.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Air is drawn in through the gas inlet port of the pump housing; The air is delivered to multiple gas sensors in the gas detector via multiple gas output ports; as well as The presence of the gas is detected using one or more of the plurality of gas sensors.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The pump housing also includes a slot that defines a J-shaped profile for connecting the gas detector to the pump housing.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first plurality of terminal electrodes includes a first power terminal electrode and a first ground terminal electrode, and the second plurality of terminal electrodes includes a second power terminal electrode and a second ground terminal electrode.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The gas detector further includes a battery management unit connected to the first power terminal electrode and a battery connected to the first plurality of terminal electrodes, wherein the pump housing further includes a power management unit and a plurality of gas output ports.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The plurality of switches includes a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch connected to the first power terminal electrode and a single-pole single-throw (SPST) switch connected to the battery.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: When the pump housing is connected to the gas detector, the SPDT switch is switched to the off state and the SPST switch is switched to the closed state; as well as When the pump housing is not connected to the gas detector, switch the SPDT switch to the closed state and switch the SPST switch to the open state.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: When the SPDT switch is in the open state and the SPST switch is in the closed state, power is transmitted from the battery to the pump via the first power terminal electrode and the second power terminal electrode.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: When the SPDT switch is in the closed state and the SPST switch is in the open state, the battery management unit controls the supply of power received from an external power source to recharge the battery.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein, The SPST switch is positioned in a different direction than the SPDT switch, such that the SPST switch is configured to be sensitive to a magnetic field direction different from that of the SPDT switch.

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