Drone Odor Measurement with Isolated Propeller Disturbance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring odor concentration are limited by low spatial and time resolution, require laboratory analysis, and are prone to errors due to meteorological conditions and the need for inaccessible locations.
Innovation Solution
A drone equipped with a measurement chamber, sensors, and a locating device that allows for real-time measurement and positioning of odor concentration in inaccessible locations, enabling simultaneous sample collection and analysis without disrupting the measurement area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If fixed sensors are installed in elevated or inaccessible locations, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed sensor installation into a dynamic mobile platform. The drone can fly to various locations including elevated and inaccessible areas, providing measurement coverage without requiring complex fixed installation structures like scaffolds or tall poles. The system adapts its position dynamically to reach different measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical installation structures (scaffolds, poles, towers) with an aerial robotic system. Instead of building physical structures to reach inaccessible locations, the system uses a drone with flight capabilities to access these locations, substituting mechanical construction with aerial navigation.
2Measurement precision
If air samples are collected and transported to laboratory for analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sample collection function with the analysis function into a single integrated system. The measurement chamber on the drone contains sensors that immediately analyze the air sample as it is collected, eliminating the separate transport and laboratory analysis steps. This combination achieves both precision (through calibrated sensors) and speed (through immediate analysis).
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis action by equipping the drone with measurement chambers and sensors that can immediately detect and analyze odor concentration in the field. This preliminary measurement capability eliminates the need for subsequent laboratory analysis, saving time while maintaining precision through proper sensor calibration and protection from environmental interference.
3Ease of operation
If drive means are positioned close to measurement location, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to drive disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drive disturbance from the measurement location by positioning the propellers away from the measurement chamber and sample inlet. The drive means are located at the top of the drone body while the measurement chamber and tube inlet are positioned at the bottom, physically separating the harmful drive effects from the sensitive measurement zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the tube and measurement chamber assembly) that mediates between the drive means and the measurement process. The tube channels air samples from the bottom of the drone where drive disturbance is minimal, protecting the measurement from direct propeller effects while maintaining system operational simplicity.
4Length of moving object
If tube length is increased to reach distant locations, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to transport time and location marking errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical assumption that the tube is rigid and the drone position equals the tube inlet position with an electronic localization system. GPS or other positioning sensors on the drone provide accurate real-time location data, substituting the mechanical reference system with an electronic one that can accurately track the drone's position regardless of tube length or flexibility.
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 drone provides precise, real-time odor concentration measurements with high spatial resolution, reducing the need for laboratory analysis and minimizing errors caused by environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a locating device comprising a position signal measurement element located at the second free end of the first tube
Implementation Method 2
a measurement chamber housing therein at least one sensor configured for measuring at least one parameter of air samples with odor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a drone for measuring odor concentration, characterized by a specific configuration which allows samples to be collected in locations which would otherwise be hard to access or inaccessible, and under conditions in which the drive means do not affect the measurement. Additionally, the invention is characterized by the correct marking of the spatial location of each sample collection and measurement, even if the sample collection and measurement requires a transport time of the suctioned air.