NO and NO2 Sensor Calibration Using Unknown Gas Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating NO and NO2 sensors in clinical settings are cumbersome, require complex and expensive high-pressure gas cylinders, and are prone to errors due to degradation of calibration standards, making it difficult to maintain accurate sensor calibration without special training and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses unknown concentration gas samples to determine the rate of NO loss and NO2 formation, eliminating the need for precise calibration standards by measuring the rate of change over time, allowing for accurate calibration of NO and NO2 sensors using known chemical kinetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-pressure gas cylinders with known calibration standards are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable plastic bags filled with gas of unknown concentration instead of expensive, complex high-pressure gas cylinders. The bags are inexpensive, easy to handle, and can be used once then discarded, eliminating the need for complex storage and handling equipment while maintaining calibration accuracy through the chemical kinetics method.
2Measurement precision
If high-pressure gas cylinders are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to safety risks and training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dangerous high-pressure gas cylinders with safe, disposable plastic bags containing gas at atmospheric pressure. This eliminates safety hazards associated with high-pressure equipment, removes the need for specialized training, and allows any operator to perform calibration simply by connecting the bag to the sensor system.
3Productivity
If calibration gas is withdrawn repeatedly from cylinders, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to standard degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable plastic bags that are prepared fresh for each calibration event. Each bag contains a stable amount of gas that does not degrade during use, eliminating the problem of standard degradation that occurs with repeated withdrawals from cylinders. The bag is used once then discarded, ensuring consistent reliability for each calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration gas is prepared in advance and sealed in the plastic bag before use. This preliminary preparation prevents any degradation that would occur during storage in cylinders and ensures the gas concentration remains stable from the moment of sealing until the calibration is performed.
4Productivity
If low concentration calibration standards are stored long-term, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to analyte sticking to container walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable plastic bags prepared fresh for each calibration event, eliminating the need for long-term storage of low concentration standards. Since the bags are used immediately after preparation, there is no time for analyte molecules to stick to the container walls and degrade the standard concentration.
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
Provides a reliable and accurate calibration method that enhances sensor precision and reduces the need for specialized equipment and training, ensuring consistent and safe delivery of NO therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the NO, in the presence of O2, can be oxidized to nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for calibrating a NO delivery device using NO and NO2 measurements, without using a known standard.