Dual-Purpose Gas Sensor Mouthpiece Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mouthpieces for breath analysis devices are bulky, difficult to control, and inefficient, leading to inaccurate sampling due to rapid exhalation rates and lack of back pressure control, particularly in carbon monoxide and hydrogen detectors.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose interface that allows attachment of both wide-bore and narrow-bore mouthpieces to gas sensor devices, featuring flange-based engaging means that provide a secure, airtight seal and adjustable resistance to exhalation, reducing bulk and material usage while improving user control over exhalation rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wide-bore mouthpieces are used for breath analysis, then the mouthpiece is lightweight and simple to manufacture, but the mouthpiece is bulky and causes rapid exhalation rates that lead to sampling inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece system is segmented into two distinct components: a reusable interface body and disposable mouthpiece inserts. This segmentation allows the interface to provide precise sampling control while the disposable inserts remain simple to manufacture. The interface body contains the sensor and control electronics, while the inserts are simple tubular structures that can be easily fabricated from various materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface body acts as an intermediary between the user and the sensor. It includes a restrictor element that mediates the exhalation flow, converting the user's natural exhalation into a controlled sample flow that reaches the sensor at the optimal rate and pressure, thereby ensuring accurate measurement regardless of the original mouthpiece bore size.
2Loss of substance
If wide-bore mouthpieces are used, then material usage and shipping volume are reduced, but user control over exhalation rate becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The interface body serves as a mediator that provides back pressure control through its restrictor element. This allows users to maintain natural exhalation effort while the interface regulates the flow rate to optimal levels for accurate sampling, improving ease of operation without sacrificing material efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow resistance parameter by introducing a restrictor element in the interface body. This parameter change enables controlled exhalation rates while maintaining material efficiency through the use of disposable inserts that can be optimally sized for their specific application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single interface design is used for both wide-bore and narrow-bore mouthpieces, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface body is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate multiple types of mouthpiece inserts through standardized engagement features. The interface can accept both wide-bore and narrow-bore inserts, as well as different materials and configurations, making it a multi-functional platform that reduces the need for multiple specialized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface design allows narrow-bore inserts to be nested within the interface body structure. The modular design enables different insert types to be interchangeably mounted on the same interface, creating a nested relationship between the reusable interface and disposable inserts that balances versatility with manageable complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to gas sensing devices and to mouthpieces therefor. More particularly it relates to gas sensor devices for detecting gases in exhaled air, and to improved mouthpieces and mouthpiece interfaces for use with such devices. The invention also provides methods for using such devices and kits.