Platinum Wire Clean Air Generator for Sensor Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring apparatuses, such as electronic noses, face challenges in generating clean air efficiently and cost-effectively, as traditional methods like using cylinders or catalytic oxidizers increase size, cost, and energy consumption, and lack effective solutions specifically tailored for these devices.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a duct with a platinum wire that intercepts air flow and is heated by an electrical current, positioned in a helical path within the duct, allowing for catalytic oxidation without heating the air, thereby reducing energy consumption and maximizing platinum usage, along with an ozone generator for cleaning residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If catalytic oxidisers with furnaces are used to generate clean air, then clean air is produced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the furnace component from the catalytic oxidizer system. Instead of heating air in a furnace and passing it through a catalyst, the invention uses a heated platinum wire (catalyst) directly in the air stream, removing the energy-intensive heating chamber while maintaining catalytic oxidation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system of furnace heating with an electrical system. A platinum wire is heated electrically and placed directly in the air flow, substituting the complex thermal field of a furnace with a simpler electrical heating mechanism that achieves the same catalytic effect with lower energy input.
2Reliability
If cylinders are used to supply clean air, then clean air is provided, but the size and cost of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the measuring apparatus generates its own clean air on-demand using a catalytic oxidizer with a heated platinum wire. This eliminates the need for external clean air cylinders, making the system self-sufficient and removing large storage vessels from the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary cleaning of the air stream by passing ambient air through the catalytic oxidizer before it reaches the measurement chamber. This pre-treatment approach eliminates the need for pre-filled clean air cylinders, as clean air is generated in advance of each measurement cycle on-demand.
3Reliability
If catalytic oxidisers with furnaces are used, then clean air is generated, but maintenance and replacement problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the furnace component from the catalytic oxidizer system, eliminating the associated maintenance issues of heating chambers, temperature control systems, and large thermal mass components. The simplified wire-based catalyst requires minimal maintenance and can be easily replaced if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a platinum wire catalyst that can be positioned directly in the air flow path. This wire catalyst has high surface area to volume ratio and can be easily accessed, removed, and replaced without disassembling complex furnace structures, greatly simplifying maintenance operations.
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 solution enables the generation of clean air in a compact, energy-efficient manner, reducing the size and management costs of measuring apparatuses while effectively removing odors and maintaining sensor accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a platinum wire (3) designed to intercept a flow of air to be cleaned is positioned inside the duct
Implementation Method 2
the wire is positioned along a path extending from the inlet to the outlet of the duct
Implementation Method 3
The electrical circuit is (operatively) connected (that is connectable) to an electricity supply to be operatively crossed by an electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for generating clean air in a measuring apparatus, comprising:a duct (2) having an inlet and an outlet for the passage of an air flow to be cleaned;a platinum wire (3), positioned inside the duct (2), for intercepting the air flow to be cleaned, the platinum wire (3) is inserted in an electrical circuit (17) connectable to an electricity supply (15) to be operatively crossed by an electrical current.