Computer-Controlled Odor Emission System for Animal Training
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current odor-emitting devices and systems used for training are not controllable, automated, or portable, and they often fail to dispense precise amounts of odor, leading to unintended blending, cross-contamination, and leakage, which compromises training effectiveness, especially in detecting explosive materials.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled, portable, and modular odor emission system that includes devices capable of dispensing precise amounts of odor under programmatic control, minimizing leakage, and allowing for repeatable and controlled odor concentrations, as well as the mixing of multiple odors to test animal discrimination abilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual odor-emitting devices are used for training, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability of odor dispensing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical odor-emitting devices with an automated computer-controlled system that uses electronic valves and pumps to dispense odors. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated electronic control systems enables precise control over odor dispensing amounts and timing, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements computer-controlled adjustment of odor dispensing parameters including flow rate, duration, and concentration. By enabling dynamic parameter changes through software control rather than fixed mechanical settings, the system achieves high precision in odor dispensing while maintaining manageable overall system complexity through modular design.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated computer-controlled odor emission system is implemented, then manufacturing precision of odor dispensing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the odor emission system into modular components including separate odor reservoirs, individual control valves for each odor source, and independent dispensing mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for precision while the modular architecture keeps overall system complexity manageable through standardized interfaces and independent operation of each module.
3Ease of operation
If portable modular devices are used, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the odor emission system as portable modular devices that can be independently operated or combined. Each module contains integrated components (odor reservoir, valve, control electronics) that function as a self-contained unit, enabling easy transport and deployment while maintaining precise control capabilities. This modular segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the complex system portable through standardized modular architecture.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise odor dispensing is achieved through automated control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of substance through leakage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical odor release mechanisms with automated electronic control systems featuring sealed reservoirs and electronically actuated valves. This substitution eliminates the need for manual opening/closing operations that cause leakage, and the electronic control enables precise metering of odor release, simultaneously improving dispensing precision and preventing substance loss through uncontrolled leakage.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a controlled odor emission system and device include an odor presentation port tube and an odor tray securely retained against a platform, a valve housing securable to the platform adjacent the tray, a valve secured within the valve housing and an actuator for moving the valve. By controlling movement of the valve, precise amounts of an odor can be dispensed under programmatic control for training animals. Further, a system incorporating a central control unit and a reward dispenser in communication with an odor emission device to facilitate animal training.