Blowing Alcohol Meter with PTFE Membrane for Accurate BAC Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring alcohol concentration in mixed alcohol-water solutions are time-consuming, costly, and inaccurate, and conventional devices are not portable or suitable for general operators, with accuracy being compromised by environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A portable blowing type alcohol concentration measuring device using one-way valves, a PTFE membrane, gas and capacitance sensors, and a signal processing unit to directly measure alcohol concentration, incorporating a method that calculates alcohol volume percentage based on capacitance and temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical or chemical methods are used to separate alcohol and water for concentration measurement, then measurement can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical separation system (distillation apparatus, chemical reagents) with a sensor-based detection system. The alcohol concentration measuring device uses optical or electrical sensors to directly detect alcohol concentration in the liquid, eliminating the need for physical separation processes and enabling immediate measurement without time-consuming distillation or chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing mechanism that directly interacts with the alcohol-water mixture to provide measurement information. Instead of separating components, the sensor acts as an intermediary that translates the physical-chemical properties of the mixture into measurable signals, allowing direct concentration determination without separation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional blood collection methods are used for alcohol measurement, then high accuracy is achieved, but portability and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service measurement where the user can independently perform alcohol concentration testing without requiring medical personnel or complex blood collection procedures. The device is designed for easy operation by general users, allowing them to directly test liquid samples (such as beverages) for alcohol content through simple sample insertion and reading, eliminating the need for professional medical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent likely employs disposable test elements or single-use sensing components that replace complex reusable medical equipment. These disposable components simplify the device structure, enhance portability, and eliminate the need for sophisticated calibration and maintenance required by conventional blood analysis equipment, making the system suitable for general portable use.
3Ease of operation
If blowing type measurement methods are used, then portability is improved, but accuracy is reduced due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary controlled environment (such as a sealed measurement chamber or temperature-compensated sensing zone) that isolates the sensing process from external environmental factors. This intermediary structure allows the device to maintain portability while protecting the measurement process from temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure variations that would otherwise affect accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter compensation techniques where environmental parameters (temperature, pressure, humidity) are measured and used to correct the primary measurement readings. By detecting and compensating for environmental factor variations, the system maintains high measurement accuracy despite the portability and ambient conditions inherent in blowing-type devices.
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
The device provides accurate, fast, and cost-effective alcohol concentration measurements with good portability, eliminating the need for blood collection and improving measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the housing is separated from the container by a PTFE membrane (1), the PTFE membrane allows the passage of gas and prevents the passage of liquid
Implementation Method 2
the container is provided with a gas pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor and a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 3
the container is provided with a gas pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor and a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 4
the container is provided with a gas pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor and a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 5
blowing gas into the air inlet by tester, and the gas enters solution in the container through the first one-way valve and the valve body
Data Source
AI summary
A portable blowing alcohol concentration measuring device is provided, including: a housing, a valve body, a first one-way valve, a second one-way valve and a container. The first one-way valve can be opened and closed between the air inlet of the housing and the valve body; a container is provided at the other end of the housing, and the housing and the container are spaced by a PTFE membrane; the second one-way valve has a suction port connected to a drainage port on the container. The opening and closing of the second one-way valve can make the passage between the suction port and the inside of the valve body to achieve a pass-through. By optimizing the structure and testing method, the alcohol in the exhaled gas is fully dissolved in the solution in the container, and the blood alcohol concentration can be obtained by direct measurement using the fitted function.