Sensor-Based Air Contaminant Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting airborne contaminants in rental properties are subjective, time-consuming, and expose inspectors to potential health risks, leading to inefficient remediation and potential disputes over contamination findings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors that generate raw sampling data to identify contamination events and determine the source of contaminants, using a processor to compare data against detection thresholds, and a remote computing device for real-time analysis and remediation initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inspectors manually detect contaminants using subjective methods like sniff tests, then detection can be performed with simple equipment, but the results are subjective and may be contested by renters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical human inspection process with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors continuously monitor air quality parameters (VOCs, particulate matter, carbon monoxide) and automatically generate objective contamination reports, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining simple deployment through wireless communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-monitoring and self-reporting functions. The sensors automatically detect contaminants, the processor analyzes the data against predefined thresholds, and the system generates inspection reports without requiring continuous human intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in the inspection process.
2Reliability
If inspectors enter enclosed environments to perform manual inspections, then direct detection can be performed, but inspectors are exposed to harmful airborne contaminants and viral risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that physically enter the enclosed environment to collect air quality data, while human inspectors remain outside the hazardous zone. The sensors act as mediators between the contaminated environment and the human user, transferring detection functionality without transferring exposure risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the human inspector's physical presence with automated sensor nodes that can withstand exposure to contaminants. These electronic sensors perform the detection function reliably without suffering from human health limitations or exposure risks.
3Loss of time
If post-rental inspections are performed manually after property relinquishment, then contamination detection can be conducted, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary continuous monitoring during the rental period, so contamination detection begins before the property is relinquished. Sensors continuously collect air quality data throughout the rental duration, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-rental inspection procedures and providing immediate contamination status information.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system operates continuously rather than intermittently. Sensors monitor air quality parameters throughout the entire rental period without interruption, ensuring that contamination events are captured in real-time and eliminating gaps in detection coverage that characterize manual periodic inspections.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs sensor nodes with multi-functionality, where each sensor unit can detect multiple contaminant types (VOCs, particulate matter, carbon monoxide) using integrated sensor arrays. This universal detection capability allows accurate multi-parameter monitoring without proportionally increasing system complexity, as each node serves multiple detection functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into integrated sensor nodes that process multiple air quality parameters simultaneously. By merging sensing, processing, and communication capabilities into unified nodes, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring precision while minimizing the complexity that would result from separate independent systems for each parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for determining a source of contaminants in air. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate raw sampling data of the air. The raw sampling data can describe at least two characteristics of the contaminants in the air. The apparatus also includes memory storing instructions and a processor communicatively coupled to the set of sensors and the memory, the processor configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to identify one or more occurrences of a contamination event based on a comparison of the a characteristic and a detection threshold for the first characteristic of the contaminants in the air; and for each of the one or more occurrences of the contamination event, generate a data entry including a second characteristic. The second characteristic is usable to determine the source of the contaminants in the air.