External Calibration Device for Interference-Free NO, NO2, and O2 Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NO delivery devices require complex modifications and are prone to interference due to solenoid valves, making it difficult to calibrate NO, NO2, and O2 sensors efficiently and independently.

Innovation Solution

A calibration device with a valve, precision regulator, calibrated orifice, and venturi device is used to create a controlled gas mixture for sensor calibration, allowing for efficient and interference-free calibration of NO, NO2, and O2 sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a solenoid valve is used to generate high calibration point for NO sensor, then calibration can be performed, but device architecture requires major modification and electronic/mechanical components change significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoiddevice architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the calibration function from the main device architecture by using a separate, externally connected calibration device. This eliminates the need to modify the internal structure of the NO delivery device with solenoid valves and electronic components, while still enabling accurate sensor calibration through a dedicated calibration setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary calibration device that mediates between the NO source and the sensor. This calibration device includes a calibration chamber, flow control mechanisms, and gas mixing components that facilitate accurate calibration without requiring modifications to the original device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a solenoid valve is used for calibration, then calibration function is achieved, but small leaks occur and NO can mix with gas to be analyzed causing major interference at sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoidsensor interference from gas leaks
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration function is extracted to a separate device, eliminating the solenoid valve from the main gas delivery path. This prevents leak-induced interference while maintaining calibration capability through the separate calibration device that uses alternative gas delivery mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a separate calibration system that replicates the necessary calibration functions without using the same solenoid valve mechanism. The calibration device includes its own gas delivery and mixing system that avoids the leak problems of the original device's solenoid valve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If existing NO delivery devices are modified to enable calibration, then calibration capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex modifications required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration capabilityVSAvoidease of calibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration capability is extracted to an external device that connects to the NO delivery device through standard interfaces. This maintains ease of operation by avoiding complex internal modifications while still providing comprehensive calibration functionality through the separate calibration device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If autonomous calibration independent of NO delivery device is implemented, then calibration reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration independenceVSAvoidcalibration device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system is segmented into separate functional modules: gas storage, flow control, gas mixing, and calibration delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability and independence from the NO delivery device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables autonomous and interference-free calibration of NO, NO2, and O2 sensors on existing NO delivery devices, maintaining accurate gas mixture proportions without modifying the device architecture.

Implementation Method 1

a venturi device (26)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4434565B1Device for calibrating the sensors of a no-delivery device
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 INOSYSTEMS GMBH
  • EP4434565B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4434565B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4434565B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a calibration device (2) for calibrating the measuring means (120-122) of a NO delivery device (1), comprising a gas inlet line (22) including, arranged in series, a valve, preferably manual (23) and user-operable, for controlling the gas flow in the gas inlet line (22); a precision regulator (24) configured to deliver a predefined fixed pressure in the gas inlet line (22); a calibrated orifice device (25); and a venturi device (26). The measuring means of the NO delivery device include an NO sensor, a NO2 sensor, and an O2 sensor.