Breath Sampling Filter Assembly for Sensor Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Breath sampling devices face accuracy issues due to high temperatures and relative humidity, which affect sensor measurements of gas samples.

Innovation Solution

A breath sampling device with a filter assembly that includes a heat dissipation shield and a humidity shield, positioned upstream of the sensor, to absorb heat and water vapor from the gas sample, thereby normalizing the temperature and humidity before the sample enters the sensor, improving measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the gas sample is directly introduced into the sensor, then the measurement process is simple and fast, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to high temperature and humidity effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor measurement accuracyVSAvoidbreath sampling device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing heat dissipation and humidity removal components (such as cooling walls and drying agents) into the breath sampling device. These components pre-process the breath sample by reducing its temperature and humidity before it reaches the sensor, thereby eliminating the adverse effects of high temperature and humidity on measurement accuracy without requiring complex external processing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediary substances or components (such as cooling walls that act as heat sinks, drying agents like calcium chloride or silica gel, and humidity removal membranes) placed between the breath sample and the sensor. These intermediaries absorb excess heat and humidity from the breath sample, mediating the interaction between the high-temperature/high-humidity breath and the temperature-sensitive sensor to ensure accurate measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If heat dissipation and humidity removal components are added, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas detection accuracyVSAvoidfilter assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. For example, the filter assembly combines particle filtration, heat dissipation, and humidity removal functions into a single multi-functional unit. The cooling walls are integrated directly into the sampling chamber structure, and drying agents are incorporated into filter elements, thereby achieving temperature and humidity control without adding separate complex subsystems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin-film humidity removal membranes and flexible drying agent layers that can be easily integrated into the device structure. These thin-film components provide effective humidity control while occupying minimal space and adding little structural complexity, allowing the device to maintain simplicity while achieving accurate measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively reduces the impact of temperature and humidity on sensor measurements, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of gas detection by allowing the gas sample to enter the sensor with temporarily normalized conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a heat dissipation shield fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and positioned in the fluid flow path upstream the gas sensor and, upon contact between a gas sample and the heat dissipation shield, the heat dissipation shield absorbs heat present in the gas sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Heat Sink

Implementation Method 2

a humidity shield fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and positioned in a fluid flow path upstream the gas sensor and, upon contact between a gas sample and the humidity shield, the humidity shield absorbs water vapor present in the gas sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3191834B1Breath sampling devices and methods of breath sampling using sensors
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 SENSIRION AG
  • EP3191834B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3191834B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3191834B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A breath sampling device including a housing having a fluid inlet positioned at a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet positioned at a fluid outlet end, a fluid channel extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and a sensor fluidly coupled to the fluid channel. The sensor is structurally configured to detect a presence of a target gas in a gas sample and a filter assembly fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and positioned between the fluid inlet and the sensor. The filter assembly is structurally configured to absorb heat, water vapor, or a combination thereof.