Multi-Gas Concentration Computation with Response-Speed Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-gas detection apparatuses face accuracy issues in computing gas concentrations due to differences in response speeds between pumping currents and concentration signals, particularly in environments where gas component concentrations change rapidly.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs digital filter processing, specifically weighted averaging, to synchronize the response speeds of pumping currents and concentration signals across detection sections, thereby improving the computation accuracy of ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, and nitrogen oxide concentrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If digital filter processing (weighted averaging) is applied to synchronize response speeds, then computation accuracy of gas concentrations is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputation accuracy of gas concentrationsVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies weighted averaging with specific weighting coefficients (e.g., 0.9 for current signal, 0.1 for previous value) to adjust the response characteristics. By changing the parameter weights in the averaging formula, the system optimizes the balance between response speed and measurement accuracy, reducing oscillations while maintaining timely response to gas concentration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If response speeds of pumping currents and concentration signals are synchronized through digital filtering, then computation accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hardware synchronization mechanisms with software-based digital filtering. Instead of using additional hardware components to match response speeds, the system uses computational weighted averaging algorithms to synchronize the pumping current and concentration signal responses, significantly reducing hardware complexity while achieving the desired synchronization.

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

3Productivity

If weighted averaging is used for digital filter processing, then processing load is reduced, but response speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing loadVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic weighted averaging where the weighting coefficients can be adjusted based on operating conditions. The system adapts the filtering strength dynamically - using stronger weighting (more smoothing) when stability is needed and weaker weighting (less smoothing) when rapid response is required, thus balancing processing load and response speed according to real-time requirements.

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

This approach enhances the accuracy of gas concentration computations by reducing the influence of response speed differences, leading to improved precision in measuring ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, and nitrogen oxide levels, while also reducing processing load through simple digital filter processing.

Implementation Method 1

a first pumping current Ip1 whose value changes in accordance with a change in the oxygen concentration in the target gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Implementation Method 2

concentration signals that change their values in response to changes in the ammonia concentration and the nitrogen dioxide concentration in the target gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Implementation Method 3

a second pumping current Ip2 whose value changes in accordance with a change in the nitrogen oxide concentration in the target gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3293516B1Concentration computation apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 NITERRA CO LTD
  • EP3293516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3293516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3293516B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-gas detection apparatus includes a concentration output computation section (404), a concentration computation section (406) and a weighted average computation section (405, 407, 408). The concentration computation section (406) computes the concentration of ammonia and the concentration of NO2 on the basis of a first pumping current and first and second ammonia electromotive forces. The concentration output computation section (404) and the concentration computation section (406) computes the concentration of NOx on the basis of the computed ammonia concentration, the computed NO2 concentration, and second pumping current. The weighted average computation section (405) decreases the response speed of the first pumping current, which changes in accordance with the oxygen concentration, by digital filter processing. The weighted average computation sections (407, 408) decrease the response speeds of the first and second ammonia electromotive forces, which change in accordance with the ammonia concentration and the NO2 concentration, by digital filter processing.