Breath Analyzer Dilution Correction via CO2 Tracer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath analyzers face challenges in balancing accuracy, specificity, speed, and user convenience, particularly in distinguishing between screening and evidential purposes, and are often cumbersome for individuals with impaired respiratory function.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional breath analyzer that uses a receptor unit, sensing unit, and signal processing unit to estimate dilution by measuring a tracer substance like CO2, allowing for contactless screening and automatic switching between screening and high-accuracy modes, with features like a particle filter and pressure sensor for undiluted sample indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contactless breath sampling is used for screening, then ease of operation and speed of response are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sample dilution with ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses CO2 concentration as an intermediary parameter to trace and quantify the dilution of breath samples with ambient air. By measuring CO2 levels (which are high in breath but low in ambient air), the system calculates a dilution factor that is then applied to correct the concentration of target substances, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite contactless sampling
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring CO2 concentration to determine the degree of sample dilution, and using this information to automatically adjust the calculation of substance concentrations. This closed-loop approach ensures accurate results whether the sample is undiluted or diluted with ambient air
2Device complexity
If a single multifunctional device is used for both screening and evidential analysis, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to the difficulty of controlling catalytic functions in diverse applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal breath analyzer that can perform both screening and evidential analysis functions using the same hardware platform. The system uses a single sensor unit that can operate in different modes (screening with contactless sampling or evidential with tight-fitting mouthpiece), controlled by software configuration rather than requiring separate physical devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on the testing requirements. The same device can switch between contactless screening mode and controlled evidential analysis mode with tight-fitting mouthpiece, allowing reliable performance across different applications through dynamic configuration rather than static design
3Measurement precision
If forced expiration into a tight-fitting mouthpiece is required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate due to time consumption and difficulty for persons with impaired respiratory function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using CO2 measurement to partially correct for dilution effects rather than requiring complete undiluted samples. This allows the system to achieve acceptable measurement precision with contactless sampling (partial correction) for screening purposes, while reserving full precision methods for evidential analysis when necessary
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 flexible, rapid, and accurate analysis with reduced user effort, capable of handling both screening and high-accuracy tasks with a single unit, minimizing time consumption and costs, while ensuring reliability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
infrared spectroscopy is being used as the measuring principle
Implementation Method 2
simpler sensors based on catalysis, e.g. fuel cell or semiconductor elements
Implementation Method 3
By measuring the concentration of a tracer substance, e.g. carbon dioxide (CO2), within the sample, the degree of dilution may be estimated
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with a multifunctional breath analyzer which comprises a receptor unit for receiving a breath sample from a test subject, a sensing unit providing a signal corresponding to the concentration of at least one volatile substance within the sample, means for providing a signal indicative of the dilution of the breath sample, and an analyzing unit/ processing unit for the identification and quantification of the volatile substance of the breath sample. The signal processing unit is configured to perform at least two different calculations for the quantification, and the signal processing unit is also configured to automatically display the result of a selected calculation, the selection being based on the signal indicating dilution.