Chemical Sensor Sample Identification Without Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical sensor measurement methods require controlling or monitoring the flow rate of samples over time, which complicates the measurement process and limits the miniaturization of measurement systems due to the need for pumps and flow controllers.
Innovation Solution
A method using multiple chemical sensors with different characteristics to identify samples by comparing time-varying outputs from identical input functions, eliminating the need to control or monitor sample introduction flow rates, and employing transfer functions to differentiate between samples based on their unique responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow rate control components (pump, mass flow controller) are installed to control sample introduction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the flow rate control components (pump, mass flow controller) from the measurement system. Instead of controlling the sample introduction flow rate, the system uses a flow rate monitoring unit to detect the flow rate and a control unit to adjust the measurement based on the detected flow rate variations, thereby achieving accurate measurement without complex flow control hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the flow rate monitoring unit continuously monitors the sample introduction flow rate, and the control unit adjusts the measurement results based on the detected flow rate. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for flow rate variations without requiring active flow control, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If flow rate monitoring components (flowmeter) are installed to monitor sample introduction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow rate monitoring function with the existing measurement system. The flow rate monitoring unit is integrated into the system architecture, and its output is directly fed to the control unit that processes the sensor signals. This merging approach allows flow rate monitoring without adding significant device complexity, as the monitoring data is utilized within the existing control framework.
3Measurement precision
If multiple channels with different characteristics are used for sample identification, then identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using multiple sensor channels that can respond to different aspects of the sample. Each channel has different characteristics (selectivity, sensitivity, response time), and the control unit integrates the outputs from all channels to perform comprehensive sample identification. This universal approach allows a single measurement system to handle diverse sample types and conditions, improving identification accuracy without requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a novel analysis method which, when a chemical sensor is used to perform a measurement, makes it possible to identify a sample without controlling or monitoring a change in the time the sample is introduced. According to the present invention, a sample can be identified without knowing a change in the time the sample is introduced, by using a chemical sensor having a plurality of channels each having different characteristics to perform a measurement, and performing an analysis on the basis of responses obtained from each channel.