Gas Sensor Transport Path Testing via Driving Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas detection systems require frequent and time-consuming bump checks, which are costly and limited by the availability of specialized gas delivery equipment, necessitating a more efficient method for testing operational functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a driving force, such as exhaled breath, to test the transport paths and functionality of gas sensors without the need for analyte or simulant gases, combining electronic interrogation with a flow or transport path test to reduce or eliminate the need for traditional bump testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bump checks are performed using analyte or simulant gases, then sensor functionality can be tested, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized gas delivery equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential testing function from traditional bump checks by removing the requirement for analyte or simulant gases. Instead, it uses a driving force (such as pressure differential or flow) to move ambient gas through the sensor, thereby testing sensor functionality without the time-consuming setup and execution of traditional gas delivery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (a driving force system comprising pressure source, flow controller, and gas pathway) that mediates between the testing requirement and the sensor. This intermediary enables functionality testing by controlling the flow of ambient gas through the sensor without requiring specialized calibration gases or complex delivery equipment.
2Reliability
If traditional bump checks are performed regularly, then sensor functionality is assured, but expensive and potentially hazardous calibration gases are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the sensor system to perform self-testing by using ambient gas from the environment rather than requiring external calibration gases. The driving force system draws ambient gas through the sensor, allowing the sensor to test its own functionality using freely available resources, thereby eliminating consumption of expensive and potentially hazardous calibration gases.
3Reliability
If specialized gas delivery systems are used for bump checks, then proper gas supply is ensured, but the opportunity to test devices is limited in place and time by equipment availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing system that can operate in diverse locations and conditions without requiring specialized gas delivery equipment. The driving force system uses ambient gas and can be deployed wherever the sensor is located, making the testing process as accessible as the sensor itself and eliminating limitations imposed by equipment availability.
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 approach extends the time between calibrations, reduces costs, and enhances the efficiency of gas detection system maintenance by providing a non-invasive and effective means to assess sensor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor responsive to a driving force created other than by application of the analyte or a simulant gas for the analyte to the system provides an indication of a state of a transport path between an inlet system and the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a system housing including an inlet, at least one gas sensor responsive to a first analyte gas other than oxygen within the system housing and in fluid connection with the inlet, and a sensor responsive to oxygen within the system housing and in fluid connection with the inlet. The sensor responsive to oxygen is formed to be chemically separate from the at least one gas sensor responsive to the first analyte gas other than oxygen. The sensor responsive to oxygen is responsive to a change in the concentration of oxygen arising from creation of a driving force in the vicinity of the inlet to provide an indication of a state of a transport path between the inlet of the system and the at least one gas sensor responsive to the first analyte gas other than oxygen.