Multi-Sensor Gas Identification for Ventilation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas sensors, particularly semiconductor type sensors, struggle to distinguish between different gas types due to the oxidation or reduction of multiple gases, measuring only concentration without differentiation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus equipped with multiple gas sensors of different types outputs sensing values, a processor determines gas type by analyzing the unique patterns of these values, and a storage stores reference information to identify the gas type based on the ratios of these values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a semiconductor type gas sensor is used to measure gas concentration, then the sensing capability is improved, but the ability to distinguish gas types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas concentration measurementVSAvoidgas type information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gas sensing task into multiple independent sensing channels by using different gas sensor types (semiconductor sensor, electrochemical sensor, infrared sensor), each sensitive to different gas properties. This segmentation allows the system to capture multiple characteristics of the target gas simultaneously, enabling both concentration measurement and gas type identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If multiple gas sensors are used to determine gas type, then the gas type identification capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas type differentiationVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the gas sensing system multi-functional by equipping it with multiple sensor types that can detect different gas properties (electrical resistance, electrochemical reaction, infrared absorption). This universal sensing capability allows a single system to perform both concentration measurement and gas type identification without requiring separate dedicated devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that receives sensing values from multiple sensors and performs ratio calculations to determine gas type. This intermediary component synthesizes information from different sensors and compares it with reference information, resolving the complexity of direct multi-sensor integration while enabling accurate gas type identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If reference information storage is implemented for gas type determination, then the accuracy of gas type identification is improved, but the information processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas type identification accuracyVSAvoidinformation processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing reference information (ratio relationships between sensing values for different gas types) in a database before actual gas detection. This pre-prepared reference data enables the processor to quickly identify gas types by simple comparison with measured ratios, avoiding complex real-time analysis and reducing processing complexity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Accurately identifies gas types and concentrations, enabling controlled fan operation, communication with other devices, and providing user interfaces for safety and ventilation adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

the semiconductor type gas sensor measures the amount of gas by using the degree of change of the resistance value as the material to be measured, which is adsorbed on the surface is oxidized or reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

the semiconductor type gas sensor measures the amount of gas by using the degree of change of the resistance value as the material to be measured, which is adsorbed on the surface is oxidized or reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 3

the semiconductor type gas sensor measures the amount of gas by using the degree of change of the resistance value as the material to be measured, which is adsorbed on the surface is oxidized or reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3540420B1Electronic device and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3540420B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540420B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3540420B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a plurality of different types of gas sensors configured to output sensing values based on sensing a gas, and a processor configured to determine a gas type corresponding to a plurality of sensing values respectively output from the plurality of different types of gas sensors.