Olfactory stimulation device

Abstract

The utility model provides an olfactory stimulation device, which belongs to the technical field of medical detection and comprises a gas chamber, a gas supply unit, a smell liquid supply unit and a gas chamber, the atomized smell gas generation unit is arranged in the gas chamber and used for carrying out ultrasonic atomization on the smell liquid in the gas chamber so as to generate atomized smell gas; the input end of the odor gas output unit is connected to the output end of the gas chamber, and the output end of the odor gas output unit is connected to the tested end; and the electronic control unit is electrically connected with the carrier gas supply unit, the atomized odorous gas generation unit and the odorous gas output unit respectively. The device has the beneficial effects that continuous, stable and consistent transmission of odor concentration and flow can be realized by adopting an ultrasonic atomization mode; in addition, due to the fact that the odorous liquid in the air chamber is atomized, the situation that the concentration is affected due to volatilization of the solution in the odorous liquid supply unit is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical testing technology, and in particular to an olfactory stimulation device. Background Technology

[0002] Odor is the distinctive smell emitted by an object. Humans and other organisms perceive odors through their olfactory system, which plays a crucial role in human cognition and behavior. Odors can be used to identify object types, and they also have a certain influence on perception, learning, sleep, memory, attention, mood, and fatigue.

[0003] Odor perception typically varies with odor concentration and time. Odors can only be perceived at certain concentrations, making it crucial to provide a device for olfactory stimulation with a continuous, stable, and adjustable concentration in olfactory research and applications.

[0004] Traditional olfactory stimulation devices mostly use gas washing bottles or cotton swabs to guide odors. Specifically, the gas washing bottle method usually involves placing the liquid or solid in a gas washing bottle, and then using flowing air or a special gas to carry the vaporized droplets or molecules of the liquid mixture to the olfactory system of the organism. Another approach is to insert a cotton swab into an odor liquid bottle to draw out the volatile odor, and then use flowing air or a special gas to carry the vaporized droplets or molecules to the olfactory system of the organism.

[0005] However, in practical applications, it has been found that when the liquid has high volatility, the amount of gas required is relatively small. Often, a base gas is needed for auxiliary concentration adjustment or to dilute the liquid into a solution, which is cumbersome and lacks precision. When the liquid has low volatility, a larger flow rate of the carrier gas or heating of the liquid in the washing bottle is required to increase volatility. However, high gas flow rates can cause discomfort to organisms, and the heating process may affect the authenticity of the odor. Fine-tuning the concentration remains challenging.

[0006] Furthermore, when using multichannel odorants for stimulus measurements, the sensory perception of a significant change in airflow rate upon reaching the olfactory system can lead to sensory interference in the stimulus measurement. Moreover, when the solubility and volatility of the solution components differ, the concentration of the more volatile components decreases over time as the solution evaporates, causing a change in the concentration delivered to the biological olfactory system. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the above technical problems, this utility model provides an olfactory stimulation device.

[0008] The technical problem solved by this utility model can be achieved by the following technical solution:

[0009] An olfactory stimulation device, comprising:

[0010] Carrier gas supply unit, used to provide carrier gas;

[0011] Odor liquid supply unit, used to supply odor liquid;

[0012] The gas chamber has its input terminals controllably connected to the carrier gas supply unit and the odor liquid supply unit, respectively.

[0013] An atomized odor gas generating unit is disposed in the gas chamber and is used to ultrasonically atomize the odor liquid in the gas chamber to generate atomized odor gas. The atomized odor gas is mixed with the carrier gas to generate the target atomized odor gas.

[0014] An odor gas output unit, wherein the input terminal of the odor gas output unit is connected to the output terminal of the gas chamber, and the output terminal of the odor gas output unit is connected to the test end;

[0015] The electronic control unit is electrically connected to the carrier gas supply unit, the atomized odor gas generating unit, and the odor gas output unit, respectively.

[0016] Preferably, the carrier gas supply unit includes at least one carrier gas channel, and each carrier gas channel includes:

[0017] An electromagnetic control valve is provided, wherein the control terminal of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the electronic control unit, the input terminal of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the carrier gas source through a filter, and the output terminal of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the first input terminal of the gas chamber through a first check valve.

[0018] Preferably, each of the carrier gas channels further includes:

[0019] A flow meter is connected between the electromagnetic control valve and the first check valve to measure the flow rate of the carrier gas in the corresponding carrier gas channel.

[0020] Preferably, the carrier gas source is any one of an air compressor, a fan, an oil-free air pump, or an oxygen tank.

[0021] Preferably, the odor liquid supply unit includes:

[0022] At least one odor liquid bottle, each of which contains the odor liquid, and the at least one odor liquid bottle is connected to the second input end of the gas chamber via a siphon valve.

[0023] Preferably, the odor liquid bottle is placed upside down on the gas chamber.

[0024] Preferably, the odor liquid supply unit further includes:

[0025] A liquid level detector is electrically connected to the electronic control unit, and the detection head of the liquid level detector extends into the gas chamber.

[0026] Preferably, the air chamber comprises:

[0027] A base, the base including a chamber and a first portion and a second portion communicating with the chamber, the first portion being controllably connected to the odor liquid supply unit;

[0028] An air chamber cover is provided, which covers the second part to form the air chamber together with the base.

[0029] Preferably, the atomized odor gas generating unit includes:

[0030] An ultrasonic atomizer is disposed at the bottom of the air chamber and is electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

[0031] Preferably, the odor gas output unit includes:

[0032] A second check valve, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the air chamber;

[0033] A concentration meter is connected between the output end of the second one-way valve and the test end, and the concentration meter is electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

[0034] The advantages or beneficial effects of this utility model's technical solution are as follows:

[0035] This invention uses ultrasonic atomization to atomize an odorant liquid, and then uses a flowing carrier gas to carry the atomized odorant gas to deliver it to the biological olfactory system at the test end. The ultrasonic atomization method can achieve continuous, stable and consistent delivery of odor concentration and flow rate. Moreover, since the odorant liquid in the gas chamber is atomized, the evaporation of the solution in the odorant liquid supply unit is avoided, which would affect the concentration. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the olfactory stimulation device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the olfactory stimulation device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic control unit in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0040] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0041] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, based on the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, an olfactory stimulation device is now provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0043] Carrier gas supply unit 1 is used to supply carrier gas;

[0044] Odor liquid supply unit 2, used to supply odor liquid;

[0045] The gas chamber 3 has an input terminal that can be controlled to connect to the carrier gas supply unit 1 and the odor liquid supply unit 2, respectively.

[0046] The atomized odor gas generating unit 4 is disposed in the gas chamber 3 and is used to ultrasonically atomize the odor liquid in the gas chamber 3 to generate atomized odor gas. The atomized odor gas is mixed with the carrier gas to generate the target atomized odor gas.

[0047] Odor gas output unit 5, the input end of odor gas output unit 5 is connected to the output end of gas chamber 3, and the output end of odor gas output unit 5 is connected to test end 6, used to deliver target odor gas to test end 6;

[0048] The electronic control unit 7 is electrically connected to the carrier gas supply unit 1, the atomized odor gas generation unit 4, and the odor gas output unit 5, respectively.

[0049] Specifically, traditional olfactory stimulation devices use gas washing bottles or cotton swabs to guide odors, which makes it difficult to control the flow rate of the gas carried when the volatility of the liquid changes, as well as the problem of concentration changes caused by the different solubility and volatility of solution components.

[0050] In this embodiment, the olfactory stimulation device comprises a carrier gas supply unit 1, an odor liquid supply unit 2, a gas chamber 3, an atomized odor gas generating unit 4, an odor gas output unit 5, and an electronic control unit 7. The gas chamber 3 includes a first input terminal and a second input terminal. The first input terminal is used to controllably connect to the carrier gas supply unit 1, and the second input terminal is used to controllably connect to the odor liquid supply unit 2. The carrier gas supply unit 1 provides carrier gas to the middle of the gas chamber 3, and the odor liquid supply unit 2 provides odor liquid to the gas chamber 3. The odor liquid flows into the gas chamber 3 and is ultrasonically atomized by the atomized odor gas generating unit 4 at the bottom of the gas chamber 3. After atomization, the odor liquid is suspended in the carrier gas in the form of tiny particles, thereby ensuring the uniformity and stability of the odor concentration.

[0051] The carrier gas carries the atomized odor gas (i.e., the target atomized odor gas) and transmits it to the biological olfactory system at the test end through the odor gas output unit 5 to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results.

[0052] The electronic control unit 7 is the brain of the entire device, and it is electrically connected to the carrier gas supply unit 1, the atomized odor gas generation unit 4, and the odor gas output unit 5. The electronic control unit 7 can control the working status and parameters of each unit, such as the supply control of the carrier gas, the flow rate of the carrier gas, the duration and intensity of the atomization process, and the concentration of the target atomized odor gas.

[0053] This embodiment of the invention uses atomization, which can ensure the continuous, stable and consistent transmission of odor concentration and flow rate. Moreover, since the odor liquid is not open in the carrier gas atmosphere, but is gradually added to the gas chamber 3 according to the original solution ratio, and the liquid is simultaneously atomized by ultrasonic vibration, the evaporation of the solution in the odor liquid supply unit 2 is avoided, which would affect the concentration. There will be no concentration change, and the output target atomized odor gas concentration and flow rate are continuously stable and reliable.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the carrier gas supply unit 1 includes at least one carrier gas channel.

[0055] In this embodiment, the carrier gas supply unit 1 can be provided with one carrier gas channel.

[0056] In this embodiment, the carrier gas supply unit 1 can also be equipped with multiple carrier gas channels, which are connected in parallel. Each carrier gas channel is an independent carrier gas source, which controls and provides the required carrier gas flow rate to meet the needs of multi-channel stimulation, thereby improving the system's flexibility and adaptability.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, each carrier gas channel includes:

[0058] The electromagnetic control valve 13 has its control terminal J1 connected to the electronic control unit 7. The input terminal of the electromagnetic control valve 13 is connected to the carrier gas source 11 through the filter 12. The output terminal of the electromagnetic control valve 13 is connected to the first input terminal of the gas chamber 3 through the first check valve 15.

[0059] Specifically, to ensure system uniformity and ease of management, the carrier gas channels in this embodiment adopt the same structural design, which simplifies the complexity of the system and facilitates subsequent maintenance and operation.

[0060] Taking one of the carrier gas channels as an example, the carrier gas source 11, filter 12, electromagnetic control valve 13 and first check valve 15 are arranged in sequence to form a complete carrier gas channel path.

[0061] Among them, the carrier gas source 11 is responsible for providing a stable and continuous supply of carrier gas.

[0062] The filter 12 is placed after the carrier gas source 11 to filter out impurities such as particles in the carrier gas, ensuring that the carrier gas entering the gas chamber 3 has high purity and avoiding adverse effects on subsequent processes or experiments.

[0063] As a key control device in the carrier gas channel, the electromagnetic control valve 13 has its control terminal J1 electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7. The electronic control unit 7 sends control commands to the electromagnetic control valve 13 based on preset instructions or real-time monitored data. This controls the electromagnetic control valve 13 to switch on and off in a timed sequence, controlling the stimulation and detection time, thereby achieving on / off control of the carrier gas supply. This improves the automation level of the device and ensures the accuracy and flexibility of the carrier gas supply.

[0064] The first one-way valve 15 is located at the end of the carrier gas passage, adjacent to the gas chamber 3, to ensure that the carrier gas can only flow to the gas chamber 3 in one direction, preventing gas backflow and thus ensuring the stability and safety of the system.

[0065] Furthermore, to address the diverse carrier gas requirements and complex environmental conditions in practical applications, the structure of each carrier gas channel in this embodiment can be adaptively adjusted according to actual needs. For example, key components in each carrier gas channel, such as flow controllers and pressure sensors, can be flexibly added, removed, or replaced according to the specific requirements and characteristics of the carrier gas, thereby improving the flexibility of the device and enabling it to cope with diverse application scenarios, while also ensuring stable operation and high efficiency of the device in complex environments.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, each carrier gas channel further includes:

[0067] Flow meter 14 is connected between solenoid control valve 13 and first check valve 15 and is used to measure the flow rate of carrier gas in the corresponding carrier gas channel.

[0068] Specifically, a flow meter 14 is installed in each carrier gas channel. The flow meter 14 can be set between the electromagnetic control valve 13 and the first check valve 15 to ensure that the flow rate of the carrier gas passing through the channel can be accurately measured, providing real-time flow data for the system, thereby providing a data basis for subsequent precise control.

[0069] Furthermore, the flow meter 14 is electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7. Through sensing technology, the flow meter 14 can measure the flow rate of the carrier gas in real time and accurately, and transmit this data to the electronic control unit 7 in the form of electrical signals.

[0070] After receiving the carrier gas flow data, the electronic control unit 7 performs a series of analyses and processes, and then sends control commands to the relevant components in each carrier gas channel according to the preset control strategy, such as controlling the valve opening of the electromagnetic control valve 13, so as to achieve real-time and accurate control of the carrier gas flow, improve the automation level of the system, and reduce the frequency of manual intervention and the difficulty of operation.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the carrier gas source 11 is selected from any one of an air compressor, a fan, an oil-free air pump, and an oxygen tank.

[0072] Specifically, the carrier gas source 11 can be, but is not limited to, an air compressor, a fan, an oil-free gas pump, and an oxygen cylinder. An air compressor is suitable for scenarios requiring a stable, high-pressure gas supply, providing continuous and reliable gas pressure. A fan is suitable for scenarios where gas pressure requirements are not high but a large volume of gas flow is needed; its structure is simple and maintenance is convenient. An oil-free gas pump, because it does not produce oil residue and ensures gas cleanliness, is suitable for scenarios requiring high gas purity. An oxygen cylinder is suitable for scenarios requiring specific gas components (such as pure oxygen), providing a stable and pure oxygen supply to the system.

[0073] By offering a variety of carrier gas sources, the system can flexibly select the most suitable gas supply method according to different application scenarios and needs, thereby ensuring the flexibility and applicability of the device.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the odor liquid supply unit 2 includes:

[0075] At least one odor liquid bottle 21, each containing an odor liquid, and at least one odor liquid bottle 21 is connected to the second input end of the gas chamber 3 via a siphon valve 22.

[0076] Specifically, the odor liquid supply unit 2 can be equipped with one odor liquid bottle 21, or it can be expanded to multiple odor liquid bottles 21. When multiple odor liquid bottles 21 are provided, these odor liquid bottles 21 are arranged side by side to form a multi-channel composite odor stimulation system, which enables the device to provide multiple different odor stimuli at the same time, improving the flexibility of the system.

[0077] In this embodiment, each scented liquid bottle 21 contains a specific scented liquid. The scented liquids contained in different scented liquid bottles 21 may have the same or different scents. The scented liquid may be any one or more combinations of mint, lavender, vanilla, or other scents, and the user can select a suitable scented liquid to supply according to the specific needs of the application.

[0078] The odor liquid bottle 21 is connected to the gas chamber 3 via a siphon valve 22, achieving a stable supply of the odor liquid. The siphon valve 22 allows the liquid to be drawn into the gas chamber 3 through siphon action without the need for external power, thereby avoiding the impact of vaporization on the concentration of the solution inside the bottle and ensuring that the concentration of the solution inside the bottle does not change.

[0079] In this embodiment, the odor liquid bottle 21 can be selected with different or larger capacities as needed, and the continuous gas supply time is long and stable.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the odor liquid bottle 21 is placed upside down on the gas chamber 3.

[0081] Specifically, the odor liquid bottle 21 is an inverted liquid bottle with a siphon mouth. It is placed upside down on the air chamber 3. The odor liquid is balanced by atmospheric pressure in the odor liquid bottle 21. Under the action of gravity, the odor liquid continues to flow from the bottle to the surface of the ultrasonic oscillator at a lower position until the liquid level inside and outside the odor liquid siphon bottle is equal and the atmospheric pressure is balanced. At the same time, the surface of the ultrasonic oscillator is submerged below the liquid surface, and the odor liquid is always kept at a certain height on the upper surface of the oscillator.

[0082] This utility model embodiment can draw the odorous liquid in the bottle into the gas chamber 3 by utilizing the natural principle of the siphon effect without the need for external power. It does not rely on an additional power source, making it both energy-saving and efficient, and also making full use of the device space.

[0083] Meanwhile, to prevent liquid leakage or evaporation, the connection between the odor liquid bottle 21 and the siphon valve 22 will be sealed.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the odor liquid supply unit 2 further includes:

[0085] The liquid level detector 23 is electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7, and the detection head of the liquid level detector 23 extends into the gas chamber 3.

[0086] Specifically, in order to monitor the liquid level of the odorant liquid in the gas chamber 3 in real time, the odorant liquid supply unit 2 also includes a liquid level detector 23. The liquid level detector 23 detects the liquid level of the odorant liquid in the gas chamber 3 and issues an early warning through an audible and visual display when the liquid level is too low. At the same time, the electronic control unit 7 can also automatically control the ultrasonic oscillator to stop working and stop supplying carrier gas based on the real-time liquid level information to ensure the stable operation of the system.

[0087] Furthermore, a liquid level detector 23 is positioned on the liquid surface between the odor liquid bottle 21 and the ultrasonic oscillator. When the liquid level drops and there is no liquid, the liquid level detector 23 transmits a signal to the host computer 71 to control the ultrasonic oscillator to stop working. By detecting changes in liquid level in real time and accurately, the system can respond to changes in liquid level promptly, avoiding operational failures caused by excessively low liquid levels.

[0088] In this embodiment, the liquid level detector 23 can preferably be implemented using a photoelectric liquid level sensor. The photoelectric liquid level sensor is a contact-type liquid level measurement and control device developed based on the principle of light reflection and refraction at the interface of two different media, or it is a liquid level output signal that is related to whether the photoelectric probe is in contact with the liquid surface and is independent of parameters such as the temperature and density of the liquid. It has the characteristics of accurate detection and fast response speed.

[0089] In addition, a transmission detection method can be used, which measures the changes in the intensity of light emitted by the light source as it passes through the liquid, when there is liquid, and when there is no liquid. The liquid level can be measured by measuring the changes in light intensity.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the air chamber 3 includes:

[0091] The base 31 includes a chamber and a first part and a second part connected to the chamber, the first part being controllably connected to the odor liquid supply unit 2;

[0092] The upper cover 32 of the air chamber covers the second part to form an air chamber 3 together with the base 31.

[0093] Specifically, the air chamber 3 comprises two main parts: a base 31 and an upper cover 32. The base 31 is designed with a chamber that connects to an external unit via a first part and a second part. The first part is designed to communicate with the odorant liquid bottle 21, ensuring that the odorant liquid can enter the air chamber 3 as needed. The second part is reserved for connection with the upper cover 32.

[0094] In this embodiment, the chamber of the base 31 has a liquid inlet, which can be one or more. One or more liquid inlets are located in the first part, serving as the second input end of the air chamber 3, and are connected to the odor liquid bottle 21, allowing the odor liquid in the bottle to be drawn into the air chamber 3. The specific number of liquid inlets can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs.

[0095] In this embodiment, the upper cover 32 of the air chamber is designed with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet serves as the first input end of the air chamber to connect with the carrier gas supply unit 1, ensuring that sufficient carrier gas enters the air chamber 3 to carry the odor molecules in the odor liquid. The air outlet is located at the top of the air chamber 3 and serves as the output end of the air chamber 3 to output the mixed target atomized odor gas to the odor gas output unit 5.

[0096] In this embodiment, the air inlet is located on the upper cover 32 of the air chamber, which is higher than the liquid inlet. This avoids direct mixing and interference between the carrier gas and the odor liquid in the air chamber 3, and also provides favorable conditions for the uniform atomization and distribution of the odor liquid in the air chamber 3.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the atomized odor gas generating unit 4 includes:

[0098] An ultrasonic atomizer 41 is located at the bottom of the air chamber 3 and is electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7.

[0099] In this embodiment, in order to meet the installation requirements of the ultrasonic atomizer 41, the bottom of the air chamber 3 is designed with an atomizer cavity to provide a stable environment for the atomizer 41.

[0100] Furthermore, the ultrasonic atomizer 41 is preferably implemented using an ultrasonic oscillator. The ultrasonic oscillator utilizes ultrasonic atomization technology, amplifying the energy through an oscillation circuit signal under the action of a power amplifier, thereby driving the piezoelectric transducer. Upon receiving electrical energy, the piezoelectric transducer converts it into ultrasonic energy, which exists in the form of ultrasonic waves of different wavelengths ranging from kHz to MHz.

[0101] When ultrasonic energy acts on an odorous liquid, it generates a strong cavitation effect and impact force, atomizing the odorous liquid on the surface of the ultrasonic oscillator into micron-sized fine mist particles. These mist particles are ejected from the surface of the piezoelectric wafer, forming a fine mist gas to achieve a highly efficient and stable atomization effect.

[0102] The ultrasonic atomization process can be controlled by an adjustable atomization electronic circuit combined with a host computer program. This allows for adjustment of the droplet size and the amount of odor-producing liquid atomized. Alternatively, the ultrasonic atomization volume can be automatically adjusted via a PID photoionization gas sensor connected to the host computer. The ultrasonic oscillation frequency can be selected based on the size of the oscillator and the type of liquid being atomized.

[0103] This system utilizes ultrasonic atomization combined with liquid supply and level control to achieve a stable odor supply concentration. Compared to traditional gas washing bottles, which require heating and temperature control devices depending on the volatility of different odor solutions, ultrasonic atomization directly atomizes the liquid using ultrasonic energy. This eliminates the need for heating devices to increase the volatility of the odor solution or temperature control to maintain a stable evaporation rate, simplifying the system structure, reducing complexity and energy consumption, and improving ease of operation.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the odor gas output unit 5 includes:

[0105] The second check valve 51 has its input end connected to the output end of the gas chamber 3, and is used to ensure that gas flows from the gas chamber 2 to the odor gas output unit 5 and to prevent gas from flowing back into the gas chamber 3.

[0106] The concentration meter 52 is connected between the output end of the second one-way valve 51 and the test end 6. The concentration meter 52 is electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7 and is used to measure the concentration data of the target atomized odor gas.

[0107] Specifically, in this embodiment, the concentration meter 52 is located between the one-way valve and the test end 6 to measure the concentration of the gas flowing through it and to feed back the measured concentration data to the electronic control unit 7.

[0108] The electronic control unit 7 can intelligently regulate the supply of carrier gas based on these concentration data. The carrier gas carries and dilutes the odor gas, and the electronic control unit 7 can dynamically adjust the flow rate of the carrier gas according to the preset concentration requirements to ensure that the concentration of the output target atomized odor gas is always kept within the target range.

[0109] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 7 can intelligently regulate the ultrasonic nebulizer 41. As a key component in converting liquid into tiny particles, the ultrasonic nebulizer 41's operating state directly affects the uniformity and stability of the output gas. The electronic control unit 7 can finely adjust the operating parameters of the ultrasonic nebulizer 41 based on concentration data and system requirements, such as adjusting the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic nebulizer 41, to ensure that the odor gas is output in the optimal form and concentration. This ensures that the odor gas output unit 5 can continuously and stably output gas that meets the preset concentration requirements, providing a solid foundation for subsequent testing or applications.

[0110] The electronic control unit 7 also provides a setting interface, allowing users to adjust the concentration and flow rate of the output target atomized odor gas according to actual needs, so as to achieve personalized operation requirements.

[0111] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the electronic control unit 7 includes a host computer 71 and a liquid level measurement and solenoid valve control actuator 72, an ultrasonic generator 73, and a concentration control device 74 that are electrically connected to the host computer 71.

[0112] The electronic control system of the olfactory stimulation device includes a microprocessor, single-channel or multi-channel relays, the aforementioned electromagnetic control valves, the aforementioned flow meters, and a PID photoionization gas sensor. Each electromagnetic control valve 13 in each carrier gas channel is connected to a relay, which in turn is connected to the microprocessor. The flow meter and PID photoionization gas sensor are also connected to the microprocessor and, consequently, to a host computer 71.

[0113] The atomizer control board is connected to a relay, and the liquid level detector control board is also connected to a host computer to automatically control and adjust the atomization volume and the presence or absence of liquid.

[0114] The host computer 71, acting as the brain of the electronic control unit 7, is equipped with control software to automatically control, display, record, store, and analyze data of the system. It can also be used in conjunction with related software for comprehensive control and data analysis. Its user-friendly interface facilitates operation and displays system status and various parameters in real time.

[0115] The host computer 71 receives real-time liquid level information from the liquid level detector 23 and controls the working state of the ultrasonic atomizer 41 accordingly to ensure that the liquid level of the system fluctuates within a safe range, thereby ensuring the supply of odor liquid during the atomization process. It can also control the on / off state and valve opening of the electromagnetic control valve 13 based on the real-time flow data of the carrier gas collected by the flow meter 14, ensuring that the flow rate of the carrier gas supply meets preset requirements.

[0116] The host computer 71 is also used to drive the ultrasonic atomizer 41 and adjust the operating parameters of the ultrasonic atomizer 41 to ensure the quality and efficiency of atomization.

[0117] The host computer 71 is also used to monitor the actual concentration of the target atomized odor gas in real time and compare it with the preset concentration requirements. It intelligently adjusts the operating parameters of the system, such as the valve opening of the electromagnetic control valve 13 or the working intensity of the ultrasonic atomizer 41, in order to achieve precise concentration control.

[0118] This invention focuses on liquid odorants and utilizes mature ultrasonic atomization technology, liquid level control, and carrier gas control to create a more precise, continuous, stable, and adjustable concentration olfactory stimulation device. It can also generate multi-channel stimulation, allowing for the stimulation and analysis of various odors on the same device.

[0119] Meanwhile, it can be combined with various electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) measurement devices (such as EEG, CT, fMRI, Fnirs, etc.) through the control of the host computer 71 to study the effects of olfaction on brain neural activity.

[0120] In the preferred embodiment described above, the olfactory stimulation device of the present invention is used in conjunction with electroencephalography (EEG) to test and analyze the brain activity state under odor stimulation. The operation process is as follows:

[0121] Select an odor solution that may affect the corresponding brain region (such as vanilla essential oil) or select multiple odor solutions (such as peppermint and lavender essential oil), mix them in the corresponding proportions to form an odor liquid, and pour it into an odor liquid bottle 21.

[0122] The carrier gas is generated in the form of compressed air or other similar sources. A multi-channel carrier gas supply unit 1 is formed using parallel carrier gas channels and quick-connect pipes.

[0123] The photoelectric liquid level sensor is a contact-type liquid level measurement and control device that uses the principle of reflection and refraction at the interface of two different media.

[0124] The ultrasonic oscillator frequency was determined to be 108 kHz based on the concentration of the essential oil used.

[0125] Bottles of various scented liquids (mint, lavender, vanilla) are inverted on the mounting bracket of base 31 until the scented liquids flow out into the corresponding atomizer chambers.

[0126] Connect the host computer 71 to start the control program, set the single or multi-channel relay control of the solenoid valve to achieve the required stimulation and detection time, set the flow rate of the electronic flow meter and monitor and measure the flow rate; at the same time, turn on the nebulizer control board and the liquid level detector control board to automatically control the atomization amount and the presence or absence of liquid. The corresponding stimulation level parameters have been pre-calibrated by PID. At this time, PID can be omitted and the host computer 71 can control it completely.

[0127] The host computer 71 is also connected to the EEG system to read the brainwave status of the organism wearing the EEG cap when it is stimulated by smell, display the stimulation status synchronously, and adjust the odor concentration of the olfactory stimulation according to the stimulation status.

[0128] During the test, the host computer 71 control software automatically controls, displays, and records, stores, and analyzes data in the system.

[0129] After the test is completed, the stored data can be processed and analyzed in the host computer 71, and the effect of odor stimulation can be analyzed by analyzing the brain region activity.

[0130] The advantages or beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are as follows:

[0131] (1) Odor liquid bottles can be selected with different or larger capacities as needed, and the continuous gas supply time is long and stable;

[0132] (2) The odor liquid in the odor liquid bottle is not open in the carrier gas atmosphere, but is gradually added into the atomizer cavity according to the original solution ratio. The ultrasonic atomizer generates ultrasonic oscillation to make the odor liquid vibrate and atomize at the same time. There will be no concentration change, and the concentration flow rate is consistently stable and reliable.

[0133] (3) The amount of atomization can be adjusted through the host computer and oscillation circuit, thereby controlling the concentration of the target atomized odor gas output;

[0134] (4) By adjusting the atomization amount in conjunction with the flow rate of the carrier gas and the host computer, the concentration of the target atomized odor gas output is adjusted in a coordinated manner to maintain stable airflow, reduce sudden changes in airflow state, and avoid sensory interference.

[0135] (5) The liquid level is detected by the liquid level detector. When the liquid level drops, the odor liquid condition can be warned in advance by sound and light display. At the same time, the host computer can also automatically control and adjust the gas supply switch of the carrier gas.

[0136] (6) Multiple groups can be used together to form multiple channels for separate stimulation; multiple mixed odors can also be used to stimulate and measure the analysis at the same time.

[0137] (7) When necessary, the gas flow rate, ultrasonic oscillator energy and carrier gas flow rate can be calibrated with PID to determine the gas odor concentration corresponding to the gas flow rate, ultrasonic oscillator energy and carrier gas flow rate, and different gas concentration levels can be set. During normal testing and analysis, PID real-time testing can be performed without using PID, which can improve the service life of PID and facilitate stimulation analysis.

[0138] (8) The entire device is controlled by a host computer program, and it tracks, records and stores data such as the concentration and time of the stimulus test. It can also be connected to other testing equipment (such as EEG, CT, FMRI, Fnirs, etc.) for multi-dimensional simultaneous testing and analysis.

[0139] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made using the content of this specification and illustrations should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An olfactory stimulation device, characterized in that, include: Carrier gas supply unit, used to provide carrier gas; Odor liquid supply unit, used to supply odor liquid; The gas chamber has its input terminals controllably connected to the carrier gas supply unit and the odor liquid supply unit, respectively. An atomized odor gas generating unit is disposed in the gas chamber and is used to ultrasonically atomize the odor liquid in the gas chamber to generate atomized odor gas. An odor gas output unit, wherein the input terminal of the odor gas output unit is connected to the output terminal of the gas chamber, and the output terminal of the odor gas output unit is connected to the test end; The electronic control unit is electrically connected to the carrier gas supply unit, the atomized odor gas generating unit, and the odor gas output unit, respectively.

2. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier gas supply unit includes at least one carrier gas channel, and each carrier gas channel includes: An electromagnetic control valve is provided, wherein the control terminal of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the electronic control unit, the input terminal of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the carrier gas source through a filter, and the output terminal of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the first input terminal of the gas chamber through a first check valve.

3. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned carrier gas channels also includes: A flow meter is connected between the electromagnetic control valve and the first check valve to measure the flow rate of the carrier gas in the corresponding carrier gas channel.

4. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The carrier gas source can be any one of an air compressor, a fan, an oil-free air pump, or an oxygen tank.

5. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The odor liquid supply unit includes: At least one odor liquid bottle, each of which contains the odor liquid, and the at least one odor liquid bottle is connected to the second input end of the gas chamber via a siphon valve.

6. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The odor liquid bottle is placed upside down on the gas chamber.

7. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The odor liquid supply unit also includes: A liquid level detector is electrically connected to the electronic control unit, and the detection head of the liquid level detector extends into the gas chamber.

8. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air chamber includes: A base, the base including a chamber and a first portion and a second portion communicating with the chamber, the first portion being controllably connected to the odor liquid supply unit; An air chamber cover is provided, which covers the second part to form the air chamber together with the base.

9. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomized odor gas generating unit includes: An ultrasonic atomizer is disposed at the bottom of the air chamber and is electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

10. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The odor gas output unit includes: A second check valve, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the air chamber; A concentration meter is connected between the output end of the second one-way valve and the test end, and the concentration meter is electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

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