Disguised Breathalyzer Interface for Ignition Interlock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders are unsightly and embarrassing, leading to public stigma despite their purpose being solely for ensuring sober vehicle operation, prompting a need for a discreet solution.
Innovation Solution
A mock non-alcoholic beverage container, such as a coffee cup or soda can, designed to house and disguise the hand-held breathalyzer interface, including a mouthpiece for breath input and exhaust vents, with optional wireless communication capabilities using Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional breathalyzer interface is used, then the functionality of alcohol detection is ensured, but the device appears unsightly and embarrassing to users in public settings
Solution Approach 1:
A mock beverage container is introduced as an intermediary object that houses the breathalyzer interface. The container serves as a mediator between the user and the detection device, allowing the functional components to remain hidden while enabling breath sample collection through a straw or opening in the container lid.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathalyzer interface is replicated within a familiar object form - a mock beverage container that copies the appearance and basic structure of ordinary drink containers. This allows the device to blend in with common objects, reducing stigma while maintaining breath analysis functionality through integrated sensors and processing components.
2Shape
If the breathalyzer interface is concealed within a mock beverage container, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the complexity of the device structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mock beverage container is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cosmetic cover to hide the breathalyzer interface, functions as a breath sample collection vessel through its straw or opening, and provides structural housing for the electronic components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathalyzer interface components are nested within the mock beverage container structure. The electronic sensors, processing units, and other functional elements are integrated inside the container, with only the necessary breath input interface (straw or opening) extending outward. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A breath alcohol ignition interlock device includes a mock beverage housing including at least one of breath alcohol electronics and a hand held breath alcohol analyzer therein, a mouthpiece in fluid communication with an alcohol sensor associated with the at least one of breath alcohol electronics and a hand held breath alcohol analyzer and a vent exhausting breath from the mock beverage housing. The mock beverage container housing can be disguised as a coffee cup, a fountain drink cup, a soda can, and a soft drink bottle. The mouthpiece can be disguised as a coffee cup lid, a fountain drink cup straw, a soda can opening, and a soft drink bottle top. A wireless communication module can support data synchronization and communications between the device and a base station installed within a motor vehicle.