Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation System for Canine Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for training and calibrating canine explosive detection lack scientific validity and precision, particularly in determining detection levels and performing quality control checks, which is a challenge for the admissibility of forensic evidence and the reliability of canine performance.
Innovation Solution
Development of the Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation System (COMPS) using a 'double-bag' design to control the permeation of explosive odor compounds through various polymers, ensuring a consistent and controlled release of odors for training aids, and the use of Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) for identifying key odor signatures of explosives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional training aids with real explosive materials are used, then canine detection training is effective, but safety risks and odor contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates inert training aids that replicate the physical and olfactory properties of real explosives without using actual explosive materials. These copies allow dogs to be trained on authentic-looking and smelling materials while eliminating the dangers and contamination associated with real explosives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between real explosives and completely inert materials. The training aids use safe chemical compounds that mimic explosive odors, serving as a mediator that provides realistic training conditions without the harmful properties of actual explosives.
2Measurement precision
If multiple types of explosive training aids are stored separately to prevent odor mixing, then training accuracy is maintained, but storage complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an inert storage environment using sealed containers with desiccants and inert atmospheres that prevent odor transfer and degradation. This allows multiple training aid types to be stored together without cross-contamination, simplifying storage while maintaining training accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sealed flexible containers and film barriers that prevent odor permeation between different training aid types. These flexible packaging solutions allow compact storage of multiple aid types without requiring complex rigid storage systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If controlled odor release is achieved through permeation control, then training consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls odor release by selecting materials with specific permeation properties and adjusting environmental parameters such as temperature and surface area. By changing these parameters, consistent odor release rates are achieved without requiring complex mechanical control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs passive permeation control where the training aid materials inherently regulate their own odor release through their physical properties. The materials self-regulate vapor release based on their permeation characteristics, eliminating the need for active control mechanisms.
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 COMPS system provides a reliable and controlled method for training canines, enhancing the scientific understanding and reliability of canine detection, and aids in the development of inert calibration materials and odor mimics for improved detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
permeation rates of reported odor compounds of explosives, were determined for selected polymers including Low Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Cellophane, and Kapak plastic bags. Different rates of permeation were observed for the various polymers.
Implementation Method 2
the rate of permeation can be controlled to provide a known amount of odor over a set time, and provides a process of controlling the rate of permeation of odor compounds through assorted polymer materials
Data Source
AI summary
The primary aspect of the Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation System (COMPS) is that it provides a field deployable instant and reproducible source of known amounts of target odors. This technology consists of a permeable polymer container (chosen to suit target odor and release rate required), stored inside a non-permeable package. The design allows for the pre-equilibration of the target odors such that the outer surface of the inner package can saturate with odor during storage. Removal of the inner item then provides an instant and reproducible source of known target vapor flux. We have successfully demonstrated this technology by placing the target odor chemicals within permeable membranes such as low density polyethylene which are then sealed within a non-permeable membranes such as metallized polyester. This design has multiple advantages including preventing cross contamination when storing multiple odor targets (5-10 targets are commonly employed) as well as being light-weight disposable, low unit cost potential, no external power/operating unit/machinery/hardware, simple to use and providing a known reproducible concentration of the target odors to the detector in the field. The applications of these COMPS include the whole range of biological (e.g. detector dog) and electronic (e.g. field sensors) detectors with examples such as explosives (e.g. 2-ethyl-1-hexanol simulating plasticized explosives), drugs (e.g. 3,4-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde simulating ecstasy), human remains (including dimethyl disulfide and pentanoic acid) and live human scent (including 5-heptene-2-one and nonanol).