Exhaled Breath Flow Control via Pump and Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaled breath analyzers face challenges in accurately quantifying trace gases due to fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and breath flow, particularly in controlling the flow rate of exhaled breath, which affects the reliability of trace gas analysis.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a housing with a flow-through passage, an analyte sensing element, and a pump system to control the exhaled breath flow rate, utilizing pressure sensors and variable flow resistors to maintain a constant flow rate, ensuring accurate analysis of gases like NO, even in trace amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical throttle with feedback control is used to control breath flow rate, then flow rate control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the feedback control mechanism from the flow control system, using a separate flow sensor to monitor breath flow rate and a microprocessor to independently calculate and control the throttle position. This separates the sensing, processing, and actuation functions, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical feedback linkages with an electronic control system. A flow sensor provides electrical signals to a microprocessor, which then controls an electronically actuated throttle valve, substituting mechanical feedback with electronic sensing and processing to simplify the overall mechanical structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple components under feedback control are used, then flow rate stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-regulation through automatic feedback control. The flow sensor continuously monitors breath flow rate, and the microprocessor automatically adjusts the throttle position to maintain the target flow rate without requiring manual intervention, making the device self-correcting and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the flow sensor provides real-time flow rate information to the microprocessor, which then adjusts the throttle valve to maintain stable flow. This automatic feedback mechanism ensures flow stability while eliminating the need for manual adjustment, improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If trace gas analysis is performed without flow control, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the flow rate parameter to optimize trace gas analysis precision. By maintaining a consistent, controlled flow rate through the sampling system, the analyzer achieves reliable detection of trace gases. The microprocessor adjusts the throttle to keep flow rate within the optimal range for the analyte sensor, ensuring measurement precision without excessive complexity.
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
This solution enables precise control of exhaled breath flow, minimizing interference from environmental factors and allowing for reliable quantification of trace gases, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of exhaled breath analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a pump or pump system to control the rate at which the subject exhales into the housing and to cause the exhaled breath to flow through the passage at a controlled rate
Implementation Method 2
an analyte sensing element in the flow-through passage
Data Source
AI summary
The flow rate of a gaseous sample of exhaled breath through an analytical device is controlled by a pump, and in certain embodiments two pumps. Placement of the analyte sensor in a secondary stream branching off of the primary stream through the device offers further control over the manner, duration, and quantity of the breath that is placed in contact with the sensor.