Airborne Glycol Detection Using Particle, Temperature, and Humidity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack efficient and cost-effective methods to detect and regulate the concentration of airborne glycol, such as triethylene glycol (TEG) and propylene glycol (PG), which are essential for neutralizing pathogens while ensuring safety for occupants in indoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A detection system utilizing sensors for particulate matter, temperature, and humidity measurements, along with processing modules, to estimate and display the concentration of airborne glycol, allowing for real-time regulation of glycol dispersal to maintain safe and efficacious levels without chemical sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chemical sensors (electrochemical sensors, photoionization sensors, or spectrometers) are used to measure airborne glycol, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical sensing mechanisms (electrochemical sensors, photoionization sensors, spectrometers) with a physical measurement approach using particulate matter sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors. The system substitutes complex chemical analysis with physical parameter measurement and mathematical estimation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that estimates glycol concentration based on measurements of particulate matter, temperature, and humidity. This intermediary approach allows indirect measurement of glycol without direct chemical interaction, simplifying the detection system while preserving measurement functionality
2Measurement precision
If chemical sensors are used to detect airborne glycol, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive particulate matter sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors in place of costly chemical sensors. By using lower-cost sensor components that can be easily manufactured and replaced, the system reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining functional effectiveness through alternative measurement methodology
3Productivity
If real-time detection of airborne glycol is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of particulate matter, temperature, and humidity that can be obtained quickly by standard sensors. These preliminary measurements are then processed through a computational model to estimate glycol concentration, enabling rapid detection without the complexity of real-time chemical analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes slow and complex chemical sensing processes with faster physical measurements using particulate matter sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors. The computational estimation provides rapid results, improving detection speed while avoiding the complexity of real-time chemical analysis systems
Data Source
AI summary
An example system is configured to estimate a concentration of an airborne glycol in an environment. The system includes a processor, a display device, a first sensor configured to generate first sensor data representing a concentration of particles in the environment having a diameter less than a threshold diameter, a second sensor configured to generate second sensor data representing a temperature of the environment, and a third sensor configured to generate third sensor data representing a humidity of the environment. The processor is configured to receive the first sensor data, the second sensor data, and the third sensor data: estimate, based on the first sensor data, second sensor data, and the third sensor data, the concentration of the airborne glycol in the environment; and present, using the display device, a visual indication representing the concentration of the airborne glycol in the environment.