Alcohol Sensor Wireless BAC Threshold Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alcohol concentration calculators are not accurate and convenient for users, especially when they are intoxicated, and require manual input of drink units, making them cumbersome and difficult for unskilled users to use.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an alcohol sensor with wireless communication to a portable apparatus that calculates the future time when blood alcohol concentration will be below a threshold, using a known or calculated alcohol burn rate based on user characteristics, and can be integrated into devices like mobile phones or vehicles to prevent starting if above a certain limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input of drink units is required, then the calculator can track alcohol consumption, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult for unskilled users to use
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and tracks alcohol consumption through the alcohol sensor without requiring manual user input. The portable apparatus autonomously calculates BAC levels and provides warnings, eliminating the need for users to manually enter drink units and reducing operational complexity while maintaining tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual input system with an automated sensor-based detection system. The alcohol sensor means automatically detects alcohol presence and concentration, substituting manual keyboard input with automated sensing technology, thereby simplifying user interaction
2Measurement precision
If the user must read tables and input drink units, then consumption tracking is possible, but accuracy decreases when the user is intoxicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement through the alcohol sensor that directly detects alcohol concentration in the user's breath or blood. This eliminates the need for users to manually consult tables and input data, ensuring accurate tracking even when intoxicated, as the sensor operates independently of user cognitive function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual table-reading and data-entry operations with automated optical/electronic sensing. The alcohol sensor means directly measures alcohol concentration through breath analysis or blood sampling, substituting manual operational processes with automated detection that maintains accuracy regardless of user intoxication level
3Extent of automation
If wireless communication is used between sensor and portable apparatus, then data transmission is automated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication operates periodically rather than continuously, transmitting data at intervals or only when alcohol concentration changes significantly. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining automated data transmission functionality between the alcohol sensor and portable apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts communication parameters such as transmission power, frequency, and data rate based on current conditions. When alcohol concentration is stable, communication occurs less frequently or at lower power levels, reducing energy consumption while maintaining automated operation during critical periods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system increases accuracy and convenience by automating the process, allowing users to focus only on alcohol consumption and providing flexible, user-friendly operation, even for unskilled individuals, with features like fuel-cell technology and low-power wireless communication.
Implementation Method 1
The alcohol sensor means comprises a fuel-cell
Data Source
AI summary
A system operable to determine a future point of time, at which the alcohol concentration in blood of a user is less than a threshold value. The system includes an alcohol sensor operable to detect a current alcohol concentration in blood of the user, and a portable apparatus. The alcohol sensor and the portable apparatus each comprise a wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communication apparatus in the alcohol sensor is operable to wirelessly transmit the current alcohol concentration to the wireless communication apparatus in the portable apparatus.