Sensor Interrogation Using Breath-Driven Transport Path Testing

Solution Overview

Problem

Current gas detection systems require frequent and time-consuming bump checks, which are costly and limited by the availability of specialized gas delivery equipment, necessitating a more efficient method for testing operational state without the need for calibration gases.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a driving force, such as exhaled breath, to test the transport paths and functionality of gas sensors electronically, using sensors responsive to changes in gas concentration, humidity, temperature, or pressure, eliminating the need for calibration gases and reducing the frequency of calibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bump checks are performed regularly using calibration gases, then the functionality of gas detection systems can be ensured, but the time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality assuranceVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential testing function from the complex bump check procedure by using a secondary sensor to monitor transport path status independently, eliminating the need for full calibration gas applications while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the gas detection function using a secondary sensor that mirrors the transport path monitoring, allowing functionality verification without requiring actual calibration gases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If bump checks are performed regularly using calibration gases, then the functionality of gas detection systems can be ensured, but the cost increases due to expensive calibration gases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality assuranceVSAvoidcalibration gas consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential testing function from the complex bump check procedure by using a secondary sensor to monitor transport path status independently, eliminating the need for full calibration gas applications while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive calibration gases with a simple electronic sensor and driving force mechanism that uses negligible amounts of test gas, effectively using a cheap alternative to the costly consumable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If bump checks are performed regularly using specialized gas delivery equipment, then the functionality of gas detection systems can be ensured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality assuranceVSAvoidgas delivery system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential testing function from the complex bump check procedure by using a secondary sensor to monitor transport path status independently, eliminating the need for full calibration gas applications while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical gas delivery system with an electronic sensor-based monitoring system that uses electrical signals and electronic processing to achieve the same functionality verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If bump checks are performed regularly, then the functionality of gas detection systems can be ensured, but the frequency of full calibrations must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality assuranceVSAvoidcalibration interval

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary monitoring of transport path status using a secondary sensor, detecting potential issues before they require full calibration, thereby extending the interval between comprehensive calibration events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of transport path status through the secondary sensor, providing real-time information that allows for extended calibration intervals by detecting degradation trends before they necessitate recalibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach reduces the time and cost associated with maintaining gas detection systems by allowing for periodic state testing without the need for calibration gases, extending the interval between full calibrations and simplifying the testing process.

Implementation Method 1

sensors responsive to changes in gas concentration, humidity, temperature, or pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas concentration detection:

Implementation Method 2

The driving force is created other than by application of the at least one analyte gas or a simulant gas thereof to the system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBreath-driven gas flow:

Data Source

PatentUS11860175B2Sensor interrogation

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 MSA TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A method of operating a sensor system including at least one sensor for detecting an analyte gas and a control system includes electronically interrogating the sensor to determine the operational status thereof and upon determining that the operational status is non-conforming based upon one or more predetermined thresholds, the control system initiating an automated calibration of the sensor with the analyte gas or a simulant gas.