Aspiration Gas Sampling for Multipoint Hazard Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas monitoring systems face challenges in measuring and analyzing gases in confined and harsh environments, particularly in multiple locations, with issues such as inconsistent calibration, slow detection due to gas dispersion, and inability to leverage historical data for analysis.

Innovation Solution

An aspiration-based system that uses vacuum pumps to collect gas samples from multiple points, condition them, and analyze using a centralized gas analyzer, integrating machine learning for alarm thresholds and generating alerts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If diffusion-based detection methods are used, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision and detection speed are insufficient for multipoint gas monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the monitoring task into multiple independent sampling points, each with its own aspiration line and valve assembly. This segmentation allows precise measurement at multiple locations while keeping each individual sampling unit relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An aspiration pump is introduced as an intermediary device to actively draw gas samples from multiple points through controlled vacuum pressure. This mediator enables precise gas transport and measurement without requiring complex direct connection structures between all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If single point gas monitors are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to monitor multiple locations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultipoint monitoring capabilityVSAvoidnumber of monitoring points
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a single gas analysis unit that can analyze samples from multiple different locations sequentially. This multi-functional approach allows one device to perform the work of multiple single-point monitors, increasing versatility while controlling overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic sampling and sequential analysis of gas samples from multiple points. Valves switch between different sampling locations in a periodic manner, allowing comprehensive multipoint monitoring through time-division multiplexing rather than requiring simultaneous analysis of all points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If conventional diffusion-based systems are used, then installation is simple, but false alarms increase and detection reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealarm accuracyVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces passive diffusion-based detection with active aspiration-based sampling. The mechanical vacuum generation and controlled gas transport provide reliable, directed sample collection that reduces false alarms caused by environmental factors, while maintaining relatively simple installation through modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient, centralized gas analysis across multiple locations, detecting hazardous gases early, and triggering alarms or controls to prevent damage, while overcoming space and calibration limitations.

Implementation Method 1

an aspiration subsystem coupled to the distribution subsystem, wherein the aspiration subsystem generates a vacuum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

operate the distribution subsystem to collect, via the vacuum, a gas sample from each of the plurality of gas sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4312026B1Aspiration based measurement and analysis of multipoint gases
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4312026B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4312026B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4312026B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for aspiration based measurement and analysis of gases are provided. An example of such a system includes multiple gas sources, a distribution subsystem, an aspiration subsystem, a gas conditioning subsystem, and an gas analyzing unit. The distribution subsystem may include one or more valves, the aspiration subsystem may include one or more aspiration pumps, and the gas conditioning subsystem may include one or more gas conditioners. Various embodiments may include a purging subsystem and a cooling subsystem. The system may control the subsystems to measure and analyze a gas sample to determine an alarm state and generate and transmit one or more alarm states or alerts.