Odor Detection via Filtered Sensor Difference Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle spaces are prone to strong odors due to seat dirt, which is difficult to detect and remove accurately, especially in hermetically sealed environments where occupants may not notice the odor until it becomes severe.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system comprising a sensor apparatus with a filter and detection elements that calculate the difference in odor-causing substance amounts before and after passing through the filter, allowing for accurate odor detection and determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor detects odor in the in-vehicle space, then the system is simple, but the detection accuracy is insufficient to detect seat dirt odor
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple independent detection elements, each detecting different odor characteristics. By segmenting the detection function across multiple elements rather than relying on a single sensor, the system achieves higher detection accuracy for seat dirt odor while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-dimension odor detection to multi-dimensional detection by incorporating multiple detection elements that measure different aspects of odor. This dimensional expansion enables the system to distinguish seat dirt odor from other odors in the complex in-vehicle environment, significantly improving detection accuracy
2Duration of action of stationary object
If occupants stay in the hermetically sealed in-vehicle space for a long time, then the environment is comfortable, but odor accumulates and becomes strong
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system performs preliminary detection of odor accumulation before it reaches levels noticeable to occupants. By continuously monitoring and calculating odor amounts in advance, the system can alert occupants or initiate countermeasures before the harmful odor effect becomes severe, allowing comfortable prolonged occupancy without odor buildup
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where detection elements continuously monitor odor levels, the controller calculates changes, and notifications are provided to occupants. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time management of odor accumulation, maintaining comfortable conditions during extended occupancy by alerting users before odor becomes problematic
3Loss of information
If occupants do not notice the odor until it becomes severe, then they are unaware of the problem, but cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system provides feedback to occupants about odor levels that is more sensitive than human perception. By detecting and communicating odor accumulation before occupants notice it, the system enables timely cleaning action, preventing the situation where odor becomes severe and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting and alerting occupants to odor accumulation before it reaches severe levels. This early warning enables proactive cleaning maintenance rather than reactive cleaning, making the cleaning process easier and more effective by addressing the problem while it is still manageable
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
Enables high-accuracy detection of odors, determining their type and intensity, and estimates the appropriate cleaning time, reducing the burden on users and preventing seat dirt accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a filter that removes an odor-causing substance contained in air
Implementation Method 2
a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor in which a film adsorbing an odor-causing substance is provided on the surface of a quartz oscillator. An AT-cut quartz oscillator changes in resonance frequency by a mass change.
Data Source
AI summary
An odor is detected with high accuracy. A sensing system includes: a sensor apparatus including a filter to remove an odor-causing substance contained in air and a sensor unit including one or more detection elements to detect an amount of the odor-causing substance contained in air; and an information processing apparatus including a difference calculation unit to calculate a difference between a detection value of each of the one or more detection elements, the detection value indicating an amount of the odor-causing substance contained in air that has passed through the filter and a detection value of each of the one or more detection elements, the detection value indicating an amount of the odor-causing substance contained in air that has not passed through the filter, and a determination unit to determine an odor of air based on the calculated difference.