Laser-Guided Electronic Nose Positioning for Odor Sampling Ports

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electronic nose inspection processes are complex, time-consuming, and prone to damage when manually operated, especially when inspecting enclosed devices like containers, as they require manual insertion or opening, which limits operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An electronic nose positioning device equipped with a carrier, an adjusting mechanism, and a laser sensing unit that includes area laser sensors for scanning and determining the position of odor sampling parts on objects, allowing for precise adjustment of the electronic nose to sampling areas, such as vent holes in containers, to simplify and expedite the inspection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation of electronic nose is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but inspection process complexity increases and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidinspection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic inspection where the electronic nose autonomously positions itself to sampling points using the adjusting mechanism, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining operational effectiveness through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated adjusting mechanism that uses laser sensing for positioning, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated electromechanical systems

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual insertion of electronic nose sampler into container door is performed, then odor inspection of enclosed devices is achieved, but sampler damage risk increases and inspection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor inspection capabilityVSAvoidsampler integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the electronic nose and the container, providing controlled, precise positioning that reduces mechanical stress and damage risk to the sampler while enabling access to enclosed spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser sensing unit performs preliminary scanning to identify sampling points before the electronic nose is positioned, allowing pre-planning of the inspection path to avoid abrupt movements that could damage the sampler

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If traditional inspection methods are used, then comprehensive odor detection is achieved, but inspection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor detection accuracyVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The laser sensing unit provides real-time feedback on the position of the electronic nose relative to sampling points, enabling dynamic adjustment and optimization of the inspection path to maintain detection accuracy while reducing inspection time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting mechanism dynamically positions the electronic nose during inspection based on real-time positioning data, allowing adaptive optimization of the inspection process to maintain comprehensive detection while minimizing time consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies the inspection process by accurately determining the position of odor sampling parts and adjusting the electronic nose for efficient sampling, reducing inspection time and improving operational efficiency while minimizing damage to the device.

Implementation Method 1

a laser sensing unit disposed on the carrier, the electronic nose, or the adjusting mechanism, and configured to scan the object to be detected, so as to determine a position of an odor sampling part of the object to be detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser scanning: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP3690390B1Electronic nose positioning device and positioning method
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3690390B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3690390B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3690390B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electronic nose positioning device and positioning method. The electronic nose positioning device comprises: a carrier (10); an electronic nose (20) disposed on the carrier (10); an adjusting mechanism (30) configured to adjust the electronic nose (20) to an odor sampling part (61) of an object (60) to be detected; and a laser sensing unit (40) disposed on the carrier (10), the electronic nose (20), or the adjusting mechanism (30), and configured to scan the object (60) to be detected, so as to determine a position of an odor sampling part (61) of the object (60) to be detected. The embodiments of the present disclosure can simplify the inspection process of the electronic nose.