Breath Test System Flow Interruption for Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breath test systems face challenges in accuracy, especially at low concentrations, due to flow-related systematic errors and random errors, which are exacerbated by the need for forced exhalation and the use of disposable mouthpieces, making them inefficient and prone to errors, particularly for individuals with limited capacity.
Innovation Solution
A breath test system that includes a sensor unit for detecting volatile substances, an analyzer for determining breath alcohol concentration, and means to temporarily interrupt air flow during measurement, allowing for signal averaging and reducing errors by trapping sampled air, which can be achieved with a fan or flap valve, enabling higher concentration measurements and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mouthpiece is used for breath testing, then hygiene is improved, but handling time increases and water condensation errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mouthpiece component entirely from the breath testing system. Instead of using a physical mouthpiece that requires handling and disposal, the system uses a sensor chamber that directly samples breath air through a sensor element, eliminating the intermediary mouthpiece and its associated handling time and condensation problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor chamber as an intermediary between the user's breath and the sensor element. This chamber allows breath air to be sampled without direct contact between the sensor and the user's mouth, maintaining hygiene while eliminating the need for disposable mouthpieces. The chamber can be easily purged and reset between uses.
2Measurement precision
If forced expiration at full vital capacity is required, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time and effort increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts that complete alveolar breath sampling is difficult for users, so it uses signal processing and calibration to achieve accurate measurements from partial breath samples. The system compensates for incomplete breath delivery through algorithmic correction rather than requiring the user to perform difficult forced exhalations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the sensor system monitors the breath sample quality and provides real-time feedback to the user about whether the sample is sufficient. This allows users to adjust their breath delivery without requiring expert knowledge or excessive effort, while still achieving accurate measurements through iterative sampling.
3Device complexity
If air flow is continuous through the sensor, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy decreases due to flow-related errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic interruption of air flow during the measurement process. The sensor chamber isolates the breath sample from continuous air flow for a brief measurement window, allowing accurate readings without requiring complex flow control mechanisms throughout the entire system. After measurement, the chamber is quickly purged and ready for the next sample.
4Measurement precision
If highly accurate breath analyzers are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable or easily replaceable sensor element that provides high accuracy at low cost. Instead of investing in expensive, complex analytical instruments, the system uses simpler sensor technology that can be replaced frequently, reducing the cost per measurement while maintaining high accuracy through the sensor's design and signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes measurement parameters such as sampling time, sensor exposure duration, and signal processing algorithms to achieve high accuracy with simpler, lower-cost hardware. By carefully controlling the measurement parameters and using digital signal processing, the system compensates for the lower inherent accuracy of simpler sensors.
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 system achieves enhanced accuracy by reducing random and systematic errors, allowing for more reliable breath tests with reduced effort and time, making it suitable for various applications, including drunk driving prevention, sobriety control, and diagnostic purposes, while being more cost-effective and user-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
Sensor technologies include catalytic semiconductors, fuel cells and infrared spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
means for generating or assisting air flow, e.g. a fan or pump
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for breath test of a person. It includes a sensor unit configured to sense the presence/concentration of a volatile substance, e.g. alcohol, present in air flowing through a predefined inlet area and generating a signal corresponding to the concentration of said substance. An analyzer determines the concentration of said substance in the breath of said person. It comprises means for the temporary interruption of said air flow at a point in time coinciding with the detection of a breath. It also relates to a method comprising interrupting the flow through said predefined area for a predetermined period of time, and detecting the concentration of said substance during said interruption.