Replaceable Breath Alcohol Sensor Module With Pre-Calibrated Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing breathalyzer recalibration process is time-consuming, costly, and inefficient, leading to delays and inaccuracies due to residue buildup in sensors, which limits market expansion and user utility.
Innovation Solution
A pre-calibrated, replaceable breath alcohol sensor module with a non-volatile memory unit to store calibration information, allowing users to easily swap out old modules for new ones, eliminating the need for traditional recalibration services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional recalibration services are used, then sensor accuracy is restored, but time loss and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The breathalyzer is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable main body and a replaceable sensor cartridge. This segmentation allows the sensor to be independently replaced without recalibrating the entire device, reducing recalibration time from days to minutes while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor cartridges are pre-calibrated during manufacturing with stored calibration data in non-volatile memory. This preliminary calibration eliminates the need for field recalibration services, allowing users to simply replace cartridges when accuracy degrades due to residue buildup, thereby restoring sensor accuracy without time loss.
2Measurement precision
If traditional recalibration services are used, then sensor accuracy is restored, but shipping and handling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a permanent main body and disposable sensor cartridges, the system eliminates shipping costs associated with sending entire breathalyzers to service centers. Only small, lightweight cartridges need to be replaced, which can be done locally without any shipping or handling expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cartridge is designed as a disposable component with a limited operational life (e.g., 200-500 tests). After this life cycle, the cartridge is discarded and replaced with a fresh pre-calibrated one, eliminating all costs associated with shipping, handling, and service center operations while maintaining sensor accuracy throughout its usable life.
3Productivity
If sensors are continuously used without replacement, then device availability is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to residue buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cartridge is designed to be discarded after a predetermined number of tests or time period when accuracy deteriorates due to residue buildup. The main body is recovered and reused with a new cartridge, maintaining continuous device availability while ensuring measurement accuracy through regular replacement of contaminated sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Each new cartridge comes pre-calibrated with stored calibration data, so when a cartridge is replaced, measurement accuracy is immediately restored without requiring any recalibration procedures. This preliminary calibration during manufacturing ensures that device availability is maintained while preventing accuracy deterioration.
Data Source
AI summary
A replaceable alcohol sensor module for use with a breathalyzer. The alcohol sensor module requiring calibration can be removed from the body of the breathalyzer and replaced with a new alcohol sensor module. The alcohol sensor module has at least an alcohol sensor and a circuitry mounted on a PCB that removable connects the replaceable alcohol sensor module to the breathalyzer. The circuitry transmits the signal and/or electrical current generated by the alcohol sensor to a processing unit of the breathalyzer for processing.