Sensor and Adsorption Part Integration for Odor Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional odor detectors have complex flow path structures and require significant time for condensation of chemical substances, necessitating a method to reduce condensation time while simplifying the flow path.

Innovation Solution

A detection method and system where the sensor and adsorption part are integrated within the detection chamber, allowing for a calibration mode, first detection mode, first adsorption mode, second adsorption mode, and second detection mode, where the flow direction alternates between sensor to adsorption part and adsorption part to sensor, facilitating efficient adsorption and desorption of chemical substances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sensor and adsorption part are disposed independently and connected via flow path and switching valve, then the detection device can perform detection and adsorption functions, but the flow path structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionVSAvoidflow path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor and adsorption part are integrated within the same detection chamber, eliminating the need for separate flow paths and switching valves to connect them. This merging of components simplifies the overall flow path structure while maintaining both detection and adsorption functions within a unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the sample gas flows directly to the adsorption part, then the chemical substance can be adsorbed, but a certain time is required for condensation of the odor substance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorption functionVSAvoidcondensation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor performs detection of the chemical substance before the adsorption part begins adsorption. This preliminary detection action allows the system to identify and measure the chemical substance while it is still present in the gas phase, reducing the overall time required compared to waiting for complete condensation and adsorption to occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If the adsorption part adsorbs the chemical substance during the detection mode, then more chemical substance can be detected, but the detection time is extended due to overlapping execution time periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical substance detectedVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adsorption part continuously adsorbs the chemical substance during the detection mode without interrupting the sensor's detection function. This continuous adsorption ensures that maximum quantity of chemical substance is captured while the detection proceeds simultaneously, and the overlapping time periods are utilized efficiently rather than sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 configuration reduces the time required for condensation and simplifies the flow path, enhancing detection reliability and efficiency by allowing for prior adsorption in the first detection mode and subsequent desorption in the second detection mode, thereby minimizing overall measurement time.

Implementation Method 1

an adsorption part (12) disposed in the detection chamber (10) and configured to adsorb a chemical substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a sensor (11) disposed in the detection chamber (10) and configured to detect the chemical substance contained in the sample gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas detection:

Implementation Method 3

a detection chamber (10) forming part of a flow path through which a sample gas flows

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow:

Data Source

PatentUS11650139B2Detection method for detection device, control system, detection system, and program

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

AI summary

A detection method includes calibration mode of calibrating sensor with low-concentration gas being caused to flow along direction from the sensor toward an adsorption part, first detection mode of, after the calibration mode, detecting chemical substance with sample gas being caused to flow along the direction from the sensor toward the adsorption part, first adsorption mode of adsorbing, by the adsorption part, the chemical substance during an execution time period including time period overlapping at least part of an execution time period of the first detection mode, second adsorption mode of, after the first adsorption mode, adsorbing, by the adsorption part, the chemical substance with the sample gas being caused to flow along direction from the adsorption part toward the sensor, and second detection mode of desorbing, from the adsorption part, the chemical substance adsorbed in the first and second adsorption modes and detecting the chemical substance by the sensor.