Automatic Spray Dispenser Using Sensor Slope Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing odor detection and abatement devices are costly, lack sensitivity, and require frequent calibration due to the use of specific sensors, which limits their effectiveness in accurately detecting and responding to odor-causing agents in environments.

Innovation Solution

A device equipped with non-specific odor sensors that utilize linear least squares regression to estimate the slope of sensor responses, eliminating the need for repetitive calibrations and improving accuracy by spraying odor abatement fluid when the combined sensor slopes exceed a threshold level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specific odor sensors are used to detect odor-causing agents, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and frequent calibration is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor calibration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, calibration-requiring specific sensors with inexpensive, maintenance-free non-specific sensors. The system uses multiple low-cost sensors that detect general air quality changes rather than specific odor molecules, eliminating the need for repetitive calibration while maintaining effective odor abatement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs non-specific sensors that can detect various types of odor-causing agents through their general impact on air quality rather than targeting individual compounds. This universal detection approach allows a single sensor type to handle multiple different odor sources without requiring sensor-specific calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If specific sensors are used for odor detection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent calibration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice maintenance effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses disposable-like inexpensive non-specific sensors that do not require calibration, making the device easy to operate and maintain. These sensors are replaced rather than calibrated, significantly reducing operational complexity and user burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If non-specific sensors are used to reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor calibration requirementsVSAvoidodor detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple non-specific sensor readings with temporal analysis (slope calculation) to achieve accurate odor detection. By merging data from several inexpensive sensors and analyzing their combined response over time, the system compensates for the individual sensors' lack of specificity and achieves reliable odor abatement triggering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically analyzes the rate of change (slope) of sensor responses over time rather than relying on static threshold values. This dynamic approach allows the system to detect odor events based on the rapid change in air quality, improving measurement precision even with non-specific sensors that have lower absolute precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution provides improved accuracy and reduced costs by using inexpensive, non-specific sensors, allowing for effective detection and abatement of odors without the need for frequent device calibration, ensuring consistent performance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor means for detecting the presence of at least one target odor causing agent in the surrounding environment and converting the response of each sensor means to an electrical output signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection effect: