Gas Measuring Device Fluid Guide Units for Sample Branching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas measuring devices face challenges in reliably measuring the concentration of components in gas mixtures, particularly in breath tests, due to issues with fluid management and sample handling.
Innovation Solution
A gas measuring device with a tubular input unit, a base body containing a measurement chamber, and fluid guide units for efficient sample branching, processing, and exit, which reduces turbulence and ensures reliable measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gas sample is branched off from the flowing gas mixture using conventional fluid guide units, then the gas sample can be directed to the measuring chamber, but turbulence and sample contamination may occur due to intersecting fluid paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging the supply fluid guide unit and discharge fluid guide unit in spatially separated paths that do not intersect. The supply guide unit extends from the inlet point to the measuring chamber along one trajectory, while the discharge guide unit extends from the measuring chamber to the outlet point along a different trajectory in another dimension, eliminating turbulence and contamination risks associated with intersecting paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces separate fluid guide units as intermediary components that mediate the transport of gas sample and discharged gas along distinct trajectories. These intermediary guide units prevent direct interaction between incoming and outgoing gas flows, eliminating the harmful effect of sample contamination while maintaining efficient gas transport to and from the measuring chamber
2Adaptability or versatility
If the input unit is detachably connected to the base body, then the input unit can be replaced after gas sample input, but the connection reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the gas measuring device into separable modules: a detachable input unit and a base body. This allows the input unit to be replaced after gas sample input while maintaining reliable connections during use. The segmentation enables versatility for different measurement scenarios while incorporating reliable connection mechanisms during the measurement process
3Productivity
If multiple gas samples are measured continuously, then productivity increases, but the risk of cross-contamination between samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by establishing continuous gas flow paths through the measuring chamber. The supply fluid guide unit continuously delivers gas samples, and the discharge fluid guide unit continuously removes spent gas, enabling rapid sequential measurement of multiple samples without interruption or cross-contamination. This continuous flow mechanism maintains sample integrity while maximizing measurement throughput
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gas measuring device (100) and a gas measuring method capable of measuring the concentration of a component in a gas mixture (A), in particular the concentration of breath alcohol in a breath sample. The gas mixture (A) flows into a tubular input unit (1) which is detachably connected to a base body (6, 16). A portion of the gas mixture (A) is diverted, and the resulting gas sample (Gp) flows into a measuring chamber (2). A gas sensor (50) measures the concentration of the component in the gas sample (Gp). The gas sample (Gp) is diverted from the input unit (1) at an inlet point (Pe) and re-enters the input unit (1) or a channel leading to the environment at a downstream outlet point (P.a1). The measuring chamber (2) is connected to these two points (Pe, P.a1) by two different fluid guide units (3, 4).