Autonomous Gas Detection Device with Periodic Sensor Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring gas emissions in facilities, such as those in the energy sector, are time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring manual inspections and expensive infrared gas detection cameras.

Innovation Solution

A gas detection device with a housing, gas sensors, processors, and communication capabilities that can be positioned to detect gas emissions, transmit data, and operate autonomously, including periodic activation and remote monitoring via IoT connections, reducing the need for human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual inspection methods are used to detect gas emissions, then personnel can directly observe and document emissions, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas detection accuracyVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gas detection device autonomously performs inspection tasks without requiring human intervention. The device automatically positions itself using the connection component, activates sensors according to a schedule, detects gas emissions, and transmits data remotely, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for manual inspection personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection processes with an automated electronic detection system. The connection component mechanically positions the housing portion, while gas sensors electronically detect emissions, substituting human sensory and documentation functions with automated sensor-based detection and digital data transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If infrared gas detection cameras are used to detect gas leaks, then inspection time is reduced, but the cost increases significantly to approximately $80,000 per camera

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection speedVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cost-effective gas detection technology instead of expensive infrared cameras. The device uses affordable gas sensors housed in a simple housing portion with basic positioning and communication components, dramatically reducing the cost per unit while maintaining functional effectiveness for gas leak detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential function of gas detection from the complex infrared camera system. By using dedicated gas sensors rather than full-spectrum infrared cameras, the device removes unnecessary complexity and cost while retaining the core capability of detecting gas emissions for regulatory compliance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring is implemented to detect gas emissions immediately, then response time to leaks is reduced, but energy consumption and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The processor periodically activates the gas sensors according to a predetermined schedule rather than continuously operating them. This periodic activation maintains reliable leak detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption and resource usage compared to continuous monitoring, allowing the device to balance reliability with energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 near-instantaneous detection and reporting of gas leaks, facilitating quick and efficient remediation while reducing costs and resource usage.

Implementation Method 1

a housing portion configured with at least one gas sensor, one or more processors executing instructions stored on memory to process data from the at least one gas sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas sensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11965868B2Gas detection device and method

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 BLUE ROCK SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Gas detection methods, systems, and devices. The gas detection device includes a housing portion configured with at least one gas sensor, one or more processors executing instructions stored on memory to process data from the at least one gas sensor, and a communication device configured to transmit a signal regarding the processed data. The gas detection device further includes a connection component to operably position the housing portion with respect to a structure to enable the at least one gas sensor to detect a gas emitting from the structure.