Breath Analyzer Heated Tortuous Channel Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath analyzers face issues with accuracy due to cold gas causing condensation and sensor disruption, particularly in no-contact devices used for alcohol testing, which can lead to unreliable results and inconvenience for users with impaired respiratory function.
Innovation Solution
A breath analyser device with a tortuous flow channel heated along its length, using a polymeric film heater to maintain a consistent temperature for the breath sample, preventing condensation and ensuring accurate volatile substance concentration measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a no-contact breath analyser device is used to avoid tight-fitting mouthpieces, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambient air dilution of the breath sample
Solution Approach 1:
A tortuous flow channel acts as an intermediary structure that guides the breath sample through a heated path, preventing condensation while maintaining sample integrity despite ambient air dilution. The channel's complex geometry ensures prolonged heating exposure without requiring direct contact between the user and the device
2Reliability
If the inlet region is heated to prevent condensation, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Heating is applied locally only to the tortuous flow channel where the breath sample passes through, rather than heating the entire device. This targeted approach prevents condensation in the critical sampling region while minimizing overall energy consumption
3Measurement precision
If a tortuous flow channel is used to extend heating path, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel utilizes three-dimensional space within the inlet region to create a tortuous path, extending the heating exposure length without increasing the device's external footprint. This dimensional approach maintains compactness while improving measurement precision through extended heating
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 maintains accurate breath analysis by preventing condensation and ensuring consistent sample temperature, enhancing reliability and user convenience, especially in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet region includes a heater arranged between: a sample inlet port which is open to atmospheric air outside the device; and a sample outlet port which is open to the sensor arrangement, the heater extending at least part way along a tortuous flow channel which extends between the inlet port and the outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A breath analyzer device (1) having an inlet region (2) and a sensor arrangement (3), wherein the inlet region (2) is configured to receive a breath sample from a test subject and direct the sample to the sensor arrangement (3), and the sensor arrangement is configured to provide a signal representative of the concentration of a volatile substance within the sample. The inlet region (2) includes a heater (20, 24) arranged between: a sample inlet port (6) which is open to atmospheric air outside the device (1); and a sample outlet port (11) which is open to the sensor arrangement (3), the heater (20, 24) extending at least part way along a tortuous flow channel (18) which extends between the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (11) for the direction of the sample to the sensor arrangement (3).