Odor Detection Apparatus Using Airflow Inducer and Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for screening pedestrians and vehicles for prohibited materials are time-consuming and pose risks to trained animals and handlers, while also risking false-positive identifications.
Innovation Solution
A security apparatus with a screening station and remote observation room, using an airflow inducer to direct odors from the screening zone to the observation room, where an animate odor detector can identify target odors without direct contact, and a control system to manage lock status and alert mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trained dogs are used directly to screen pedestrians and vehicles, then odor detection capability is improved, but safety risks and false-positive identifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a sampling device and transmission conduit that separates the trained dog from the screening zone. The sampling device collects odor samples from the area where pedestrians or vehicles pass, transmits them through a conduit to the observation room, and delivers the samples to the trained dog. This intermediary system allows the dog to detect odors accurately while eliminating direct contact with potential hazards and reducing false-positive identifications.
2Measurement precision
If individual searching is performed manually, then detection thoroughness is improved, but time consumption and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service screening system where the trained dog independently performs odor detection without requiring manual intervention. The automated sampling device continuously collects odor samples from the screening zone and transmits them to the observation room, allowing the dog to screen multiple pedestrians and vehicles sequentially without human assistance during the detection process. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual searching while maintaining thorough detection coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trained dogs are deployed for comprehensive screening, then detection coverage is improved, but animal safety and handler protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary sampling and transmission system that enables multiple trained dogs to be deployed for comprehensive screening while protecting them from direct exposure to hazards. The sampling device collects odor samples from the screening zone and transmits them through conduits to observation rooms where multiple dogs can safely perform detection. This intermediary system allows expanded detection coverage across multiple locations and subjects while isolating the animals from potential harmful factors such as explosives, chemicals, and aggressive individuals.
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 solution enables consistent and efficient identification of prohibited materials while minimizing false positives and protecting both the odor detectors and individuals being screened, allowing for rapid screening of multiple conveyances and remote monitoring of multiple stations.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow inducer for inducing airflow from within the screening zone, through the conduit, and to the observation room to entrain odors
Implementation Method 2
to entrain odors in the observation room that were emitted in the screening zone
Implementation Method 3
a porous structure defining a porous zone between the screening zone and the conduit, whereby air flows from within the screening zone, through the porous zone
Data Source
AI summary
A target odor detection apparatus and system configured to temporarily house one or more animate odor detectors for screening air passed across odor emitters or conveyances that pass through the target odor detection apparatus. Various types of sensor technologies are incorporated in certain embodiments to provide consistent detection results by, inter alia, consistently interpreting trained signals from animate odor detectors. Various communication technologies are incorporated in certain embodiments to provide enhanced control over an apparatus or system located in multiple and, in some cases, very distant, geographic locations.