3D Printed CNF Substrate Wearable Gas Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas detecting devices are bulky, difficult to carry, and require interpretation of complex detection results, making them impractical for everyday use.
Innovation Solution
A gas detecting device attached to a user's skin or clothing using a 3-D printed substrate with cellulose nanofibrils and a semiconductor layer, featuring a light-emitting component and electrodes, which changes resistance in response to gas concentration for easy interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If gas detecting devices are made with traditional structures, then detection function is achieved, but device volume and thickness increase, reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate with a thickness of 10-100 μm that can be conformally attached to body surfaces. This thin-film substrate supports the semiconductor layer and electrical components while dramatically reducing the overall device volume and thickness, enabling wearability without compromising detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a traditional three-dimensional bulky structure to a two-dimensional planar configuration on the flexible substrate. The semiconductor layer and electrical components are arranged in a flat, layered structure that can be conformally attached to body surfaces, reducing volume while maintaining detection capability.
2Ease of operation
If gas detecting devices are made compact for portability, then ease of carry is improved, but device complexity increases making results difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a light-emitting component that changes its emission state based on gas detection results. When gas concentration exceeds a predetermined threshold, the light-emitting component activates or changes its emission characteristics, providing intuitive visual feedback that is easily interpretable by users without complex displays or interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the semiconductor layer's inherent property of changing resistance in response to gas concentration to directly indicate detection results. The resistance change is converted to a visual signal through the light-emitting component, eliminating the need for complex electronic displays, processors, or user interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If substrate thickness is reduced for better fit and comfort, then user comfort is improved, but bonding strength between substrate and surface may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible substrate with thickness of 10-100 μm provides both thin-profile comfort and sufficient mechanical strength. The substrate's flexibility allows it to conform to body surfaces while maintaining adequate bonding strength through its inherent material properties and surface area contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is designed with a conformal surface that matches the curvature of body surfaces (flat, curved, or irregular). This curvature matching increases the effective contact area between the substrate and the surface, thereby enhancing bonding strength despite the reduced thickness.
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
Enhances portability and user comfort by providing a thin, secure attachment and simple visual indication of gas detection results through light emission when gas concentrations exceed predetermined levels.
Implementation Method 1
when a semiconductor for gas detection contacts a designated gas, electrical properties of the semiconductor are changed accordingly
Implementation Method 2
the light-emitting component includes a light-emitting diode
Implementation Method 3
the substrate is formed by a 3-D printing technique, such that a contact surface of the substrate is tightly attached to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A gas detecting device configured to be attached to a surface includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer, a light-emitting component, a first electrode and a second electrode. The substrate includes a plurality of stacking layers stacked onto one another, and a material of the substrate includes cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). The substrate is formed by 3-D printing, such that a contact surface of the substrate is tightly attached to the surface. The semiconductor layer is formed on the substrate by 3-D printing. The light-emitting component is disposed on the substrate. The first electrode is coupled to the semiconductor layer and the light-emitting component. The second electrode is coupled to the semiconductor layer and a ground electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are both disposed on the semiconductor layer and maintain a gap therebetween. A resistance of the semiconductor layer is changed according to a concentration of a designated gas.