Gas Detector Calibration Using Ultrasonic Nebulization and Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas detecting apparatuses require time-consuming and complex calibration methods, often leading to inaccurate readings due to prolonged evaporation times and potential decomposition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using grinding methods, which can generate negative pressure and result in improper calibration.

Innovation Solution

A calibration apparatus comprising a gas supply element, nebulizing element, and pressure control element to provide a background gaseous substance, transform a testing solution into a gaseous form, and maintain constant air pressure, using an ultrasonic nebulizer to generate a testing gaseous substance without heat, ensuring uniform concentration and accurate calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If grinding methods are used to transform testing solution into gaseous form, then VOCs can be converted to gas phase, but the process is time-consuming and causes decomposition of volatile organic compounds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs phase transition from liquid to gas through nebulization rather than traditional grinding methods. The nebulizing element transforms the testing solution directly into fine droplets that rapidly evaporate in the gas phase, achieving quick and accurate calibration without prolonged exposure that causes VOC decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical grinding system with a nebulizing system. Instead of using mechanical force to evaporate the solution, an ultrasonic nebulizer generates high-frequency vibrations that break the liquid into fine droplets, which then rapidly transition to gas phase, significantly reducing calibration time and preventing compound decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If grinding methods are used for calibration, then testing solution can be transformed, but negative pressure is generated causing improper calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pressure control element as an intermediary between the nebulizing element and the gas detecting apparatus. This element actively regulates and maintains constant air pressure during the calibration process, preventing the negative pressure fluctuations that would otherwise cause improper calibration and ensuring reliable results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure control element implements feedback control by continuously monitoring air pressure and making real-time adjustments to maintain constant pressure conditions. This closed-loop control system ensures that pressure variations do not affect calibration accuracy, thereby improving calibration reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If traditional calibration methods are used, then gas detecting apparatus can be calibrated, but the process is technically complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the calibration system into distinct functional modules: a gas supply element for providing background gas, a nebulizing element for transforming the testing solution, and a pressure control element for maintaining constant pressure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall calibration process while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration apparatus is designed as an integrated multi-functional system where the gas supply element, nebulizing element, and pressure control element work together in a unified device. This universal calibration system can handle various testing solutions and gases, reducing the need for multiple separate calibration methods and simplifying the overall process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables rapid and accurate calibration of gas detectors by transforming VOCs into a stable gaseous form within seconds, maintaining consistent air pressure, and ensuring precise concentration measurements, thereby preventing device malfunction.

Implementation Method 1

a gas supply element configured to provide a background gaseous substance within at least a portion of the calibration apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow:

Implementation Method 2

a nebulizing element configured to generate the testing gaseous substance by transforming a testing solution in conjunction with the background gaseous substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

using an ultrasonic nebulizer to generate a testing gaseous substance without heat, ensuring uniform concentration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

a pressure control element configured to regulate airflow in order to maintain a constant air pressure within the at least a portion of the calibration apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure regulation:

Data Source

PatentUS12379359B2Methods, apparatuses, and systems for calibrating gas detecting apparatuses
Publication Date: 2025.08.05 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US12379359B2 patent drawing
  • US12379359B2 patent drawing
  • US12379359B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses and systems for calibrating gas detectors are disclosed. An example calibration apparatus may have a gas supply element configured to provide a background gaseous substance within at least a portion of the calibration apparatus, a nebulizing element configured to generate the testing gaseous substance by transforming a testing solution in conjunction with the background gaseous substance, a pressure control element configured to regulate airflow in order to maintain a constant air pressure within the at least a portion of the calibration apparatus, and a controller component in electronic communication with the gas supply element, the nebulizing element and the pressure control element.