Valve-Free Odor Detection Device With Filtered Gas Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor detection devices face challenges with complex structures, unstable cleaning gas composition, and the need for precise valve control, leading to large-scale apparatuses and inefficient cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact odor detection device with a sensor chamber and a flow channel connected to a filter, utilizing pumps to alternate gas flow for detection and cleaning, allowing for efficient circulation and cleaning without complex valve switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a valve is used to switch between sample gas and cleaning air, then cleaning function is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the valve component entirely and replaces it with a flow channel that has different inlet/outlet connections. The flow channel is connected to the sensor chamber such that during cleaning mode, the flow channel's inlet connects to the sensor chamber's outlet and its outlet connects to the sensor chamber's inlet, creating a circulation path without requiring any switching valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel serves multiple functions: it acts as a cleaning gas delivery path, a circulation channel, and a gas routing mechanism. By designing the flow channel with specific inlet/outlet connections to the sensor chamber, it achieves both cleaning and gas circulation functions without needing separate valve-controlled paths.
2Ease of manufacture
If air is used as cleaning gas, then cleaning effect is achieved, but gas composition stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous circulation of cleaning gas through the flow channel. The gas is repeatedly pumped through the flow channel multiple times, ensuring continuous exposure to the sensor chamber. This continuous action maintains stable effective concentration of cleaning gas while achieving thorough cleaning over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters by using a pump to control gas flow rate and direction. By adjusting the pump operation to create alternating flow patterns (inlet to outlet during detection, outlet to inlet during cleaning), it achieves stable gas composition delivery without requiring external gas storage or purification systems.
3Productivity
If multiple pumps are used for alternating gas flow, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single pump that can dynamically change its operation mode. The pump can alternate between pushing gas from the flow channel inlet to outlet (detection mode) and from outlet to inlet (cleaning mode). This dynamic operation allows one pump to perform the work of multiple pumps would be needed for fixed directional flow systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flow control functions into a single pump system. Instead of using separate pumps for sample gas delivery and cleaning gas circulation, the design merges these functions into one pump that controls gas flow direction through the flow channel, reducing the number of components while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
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 device achieves a high cleaning effect with a simple structure, extending sensor life and reducing size by circulating gas through a filter multiple times, ensuring stable gas supply and efficient odor component removal.
Implementation Method 1
a flow channel including a filter therein, the flow channel being connected to the second outlet and being connected to the second inlet
Implementation Method 2
The odor sensor includes a sensitive film that adsorbs an odor component in a gas
Data Source
AI summary
An odor detection device includes a sensor chamber housing a sensor element, the sensor chamber having a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet, the first and second outlets being located opposite the first and second inlets with the sensor element interposed therebetween, respectively, a flow channel including a filter therein, the flow channel being connected to the second outlet and being connected to the second inlet, a first gas delivery unit causing inflow of a gas at the first inlet and outflow of the gas at the first outlet, and a second gas delivery unit causing outflow of the gas at the second outlet and inflow of the gas at the second inlet.