Portable Odor Sampling Media for Rapid Source Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for odor detection are costly, time-consuming, and destructive, and they fail to provide quick, onsite determination of odor presence or absence, especially in identifying odor sources and assessing remediation effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A portable odor detection system using a triple-layer absorbent sampling media with a heat source and solvent application to desorb, concentrate, and collect odors for on-site olfactory examination, comprising a bottom absorbent layer, a middle heat-resistant barrier, and a top absorbent layer, with a heat sensor and solvent application to enhance odor detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory sampling and analysis methods are used, then odor detection accuracy is improved, but detection time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling media is divided into multiple layers (first absorbent layer, second absorbent layer, and heat-resistant barrier layer) that perform different functions. The first layer captures odor molecules, the second layer concentrates them through heating, and the barrier layer prevents contamination, enabling rapid on-site analysis without laboratory processing
Solution Approach 2:
A portable heating device serves as an intermediary tool that enables field-based odor detection by providing controlled heating to the sampling media, allowing odor concentration and detection to occur outside the laboratory environment while maintaining detection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory sampling and analysis methods are used, then odor detection accuracy is improved, but detection cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling media uses disposable, inexpensive materials (absorbent layers and heat-resistant barriers) that can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive laboratory equipment and professional analysis while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy for on-site applications
Solution Approach 2:
The portable heating device acts as an affordable intermediary tool that enables cost-effective field detection by providing simple thermal processing of sampling media, replacing expensive laboratory analysis infrastructure with accessible field equipment
3Measurement precision
If destructive sampling methods are used, then odor source identification is improved, but the sampled material is damaged or destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts odor molecules from the sampled material through absorption and heating without destroying the underlying substrate. The sampling media captures volatile compounds while leaving the original material intact, enabling both odor identification and preservation of the sampled object
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer sampling media serves as an intermediary between the odor source and the detection process, capturing odor molecules through absorption and concentration while preventing direct contact between the heating element and the sampled material, thus avoiding damage
4Device complexity
If simple absorbent materials are used, then device complexity is reduced, but odor concentration capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling media is segmented into multiple functional layers: the first absorbent layer captures odor molecules, the heat-resistant barrier layer protects against thermal damage, and the second absorbent layer concentrates the odor through heating. This segmentation enables effective odor concentration while maintaining relative system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter by applying controlled heating to the sampling media, which enhances odor molecule volatility and concentration in the second absorbent layer, improving detection capability without significantly increasing device complexity
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 rapid, cost-effective, and non-destructive odor detection on various surfaces, providing qualitative assessment of remediation and identifying odor reservoirs, while reducing post-traumatic stress by allowing users to confirm odor-free conditions.
Implementation Method 1
heating the absorbent sampling media using the heating element
Implementation Method 2
desorbing, accelerating, concentrating, containing and collecting odor emission from a substrate onto an absorbent media
Implementation Method 3
collecting odor emission from a substrate onto an absorbent media
Implementation Method 4
concentrating, containing and collecting odor emission
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the isolation and amplification of odors so that the underlying odorous material might be located. The present invention utilizes a triple layer odor absorbent sampling media, solvents, and a heat source to isolate and amplify the odors. Once the source of the odor is located, the odorous material can then be cleaned.