Automatic Spray Dispenser Using Sensor Slope Odor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor detection and abatement devices are costly, lack sensitivity and accuracy, and require frequent calibration due to the use of specific sensors, which are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A device using non-specific odor sensors with linear least squares regression to estimate the slope of sensor responses, eliminating the need for repetitive calibration by activating odor abatement spray when the combined sensor slopes exceed a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specific odor sensors are used for detecting target odor causing agents, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and frequent calibration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the odor detection task into two parts: using non-specific sensors to detect general odor presence, and using linear least squares regression to separately calculate slopes for different odor causing agents based on temporal patterns. This avoids the need for complex specific sensors while maintaining detection accuracy for multiple agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for odor detection from direct sensor readings (which require calibration) to the slope of sensor response over time. By calculating temporal derivatives through linear regression, the system transforms static calibration-dependent measurements into dynamic calibration-independent slope values that indicate odor presence.
2Device complexity
If non-specific odor sensors are used to reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces linear least squares regression as an intermediary computational process between the non-specific sensor and the odor detection result. The regression algorithm acts as a mediator that extracts meaningful slope information from raw sensor data, enabling accurate identification of multiple odor causing agents even with non-specific sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the temporal dimension to odor detection by measuring sensor response slopes over time rather than relying on static sensor readings. This dimensional transformation allows non-specific sensors to distinguish between different odor causing agents based on their unique temporal response patterns, compensating for the lack of sensor specificity.
3Measurement precision
If specific sensors are used for each odor causing agent, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration through the linear least squares regression process, which automatically adapts to sensor characteristics without requiring manual calibration. The slope calculation method inherently compensates for sensor variations, allowing the device to maintain accuracy without user intervention for calibration.
4Measurement precision
If multiple specific sensors are used to detect different odor causing agents, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single non-specific sensor perform multiple detection functions by analyzing temporal response patterns. Instead of requiring separate sensors for different odor causing agents, the universal sensor combined with slope analysis can identify multiple agents (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans) based on their distinct temporal signatures, reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-agent detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to automatic odor treatment spray dispenser methods.