Replaceable Alcohol Sensor Module for Breathalyzer Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current breathalyzer calibration process is time-consuming and costly, requiring users to ship devices to service centers, leading to delays and increased costs for both users and service centers, while also resulting in inaccurate readings due to residue buildup in sensors.

Innovation Solution

A calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module that can be easily installed and removed from breathalyzers, featuring an adapter for electronic communication and a non-volatile memory unit for storing calibration information, allowing users to replace sensors independently and reducing the need for traditional recalibration methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional breathalyzer calibration is performed by shipping devices to service centers, then calibration accuracy is improved, but user downtime and shipping costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoiduser downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The breathalyzer is divided into separate functional modules: a replaceable sensor module and a main body. The sensor module can be independently replaced by the user without shipping the entire device to a service center, thus maintaining calibration accuracy while eliminating user downtime and shipping costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to perform calibration maintenance themselves by simply replacing the sensor module, eliminating the need for professional service centers. The sensor module includes all necessary calibration data and components for accurate operation, allowing end-users to maintain their devices independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If traditional breathalyzer calibration is performed by shipping devices to service centers, then proper recalibration is achieved, but shipping and handling costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecalibration accuracyVSAvoidshipping and handling costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit that can be replaced independently. This extraction eliminates the need to ship entire breathalyzer devices to service centers, reducing shipping and handling costs while maintaining recalibration accuracy through the use of pre-calibrated sensor modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor module is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component with a limited operational lifespan. After a certain number of uses or when calibration drift occurs, the entire sensor module is replaced rather than serviced, eliminating recurring shipping costs while maintaining accuracy through factory calibration of each new module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If sensors are not replaced during calibration, then service center resources are preserved, but residue buildup causes increasing sensor deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice center efficiencyVSAvoidsensor performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module is designed to be discarded after a certain number of uses or when performance degrades due to residue buildup. Instead of attempting to clean or recondition sensors at service centers, the entire module is replaced with a fresh calibrated unit. Used sensor modules can be recovered and properly disposed of or refurbished by the manufacturer, maintaining service center efficiency while ensuring sensor reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

This solution significantly reduces user downtime and shipping costs, enhances sensor accuracy by eliminating residue buildup, and streamlines the recalibration process, making it more efficient and cost-effective for both users and service centers.

Implementation Method 1

an alcohol sensor calibrated to provide an electrical current signal proportional to an amount of alcohol detected in a breath sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel cell oxidation: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 2

a non-volatile memory unit for storing calibration information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-volatile memory storage:

Data Source

PatentUS9329167B2Replaceable alcohol sensor module

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 AK GLOBALTECH CORP

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 replaceable alcohol sensor module has at least an alcohol sensor and an adapter that removably connects the replaceable sensor module to the breathalyzer. The adapter transmits the electrical current generated by the alcohol sensor to a processor of the breathalyzer for processing. The alcohol sensor and the adapter are mounted on a printed circuit board to provide the replaceable sensor module.