Odor Detection Chamber with Temperature and Humidity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing odor detection technologies, such as electrochemical and bio-peptide type sensors, suffer from low accuracy and sensitivity to temperature and humidity, leading to measurement errors.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a chamber assembly with controlled temperature and humidity management, a controller for regulating environmental conditions, and a sensor device for precise odor detection, utilizing a heating device, pump, and circulation flow path to stabilize gas conditions before detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrochemical sensors are used for odor detection, then the device can detect odor, but the accuracy is low and durability is short

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a chamber as an intermediary component between the target gas and the sensor. The chamber controls temperature and humidity conditions, acting as a mediator that prepares the gas environment before it reaches the sensor, thereby improving measurement accuracy without affecting sensor durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the environmental parameters (temperature and humidity) within the chamber to optimal levels for odor detection. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves higher measurement precision while protecting the sensor from harsh environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If bio-peptide type sensors or amino acid sensors are used, then the sensors react precisely to odor molecules, but they are sensitive to temperature and humidity causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor molecule reactivityVSAvoidtemperature and humidity sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber serves as an intermediary that decouples the sensor from direct exposure to variable environmental conditions. It maintains stable temperature and humidity internally while allowing odor molecules to pass through, protecting the sensitive sensor from harmful environmental factors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system actively controls and changes the temperature and humidity parameters within the chamber to optimal fixed values. This eliminates the sensitivity issue by ensuring the sensor always operates under controlled conditions while maintaining high reactivity to odor molecules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If temperature and humidity are not controlled, then the system is simpler, but measurement accuracy decreases due to environmental sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidodor detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the chamber for environmental control, the sensor for odor detection, and the controller for parameter management. This segmentation allows temperature and humidity control to be added without complicating the overall system architecture, as each module has a specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the sensor, controls temperature, controls humidity, and directs gas flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving accurate measurements

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

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 system achieves accurate and stable odor detection by maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels and flow rates, enhancing the precision and reliability of odor sensing.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device configured to be coupled to the inlet to increase the temperature of gas in the inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a sensor device configured to detect odor of the controlled target gas within the chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOdor detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4617657A1Odor detection system
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4617657A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617657A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4617657A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An embodiment odor detection system includes a chamber assembly including a chamber, a controller configured to control a temperature and a humidity of a target gas and inflow the target gas into the chamber, and a sensor configured to detect an odor of the target gas within the chamber.