Volatile Compound Detection Module for Dairy Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the quality of dairy products during transportation are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require laboratory analysis, making them impractical for real-time assessment in constrained spaces or during transportation, where physical access to the product is limited.
Innovation Solution
A detection module integrated into a hermetically closed container that uses a sensor array, gas permeable membrane, and controller to analyze volatile compounds in the gaseous headspace without sample preparation, enabling autonomous, real-time monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and distinguishing between normal and emergency scenarios using multivariate analysis-based machine learning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bacteriological analysis (SPC method) is used to monitor dairy product quality, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laboratory-based bacteriological analysis system with an electronic nose system using gas sensors and pattern recognition algorithms. This substitution enables real-time volatile compound detection during transportation, eliminating the time loss associated with conventional methods while maintaining quality assessment accuracy through multivariate analysis of sensor data patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection module is designed to autonomously monitor volatile compounds in the dairy product without requiring external laboratory facilities or manual sample processing. The system performs self-contained quality assessment by continuously analyzing headspace volatiles and comparing patterns against reference databases, enabling independent quality monitoring throughout the transportation journey.
2Measurement precision
If conventional bacteriological analysis is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex laboratory equipment with a compact electronic nose system consisting of gas sensors, microprocessor, and pattern recognition software. This substitution maintains measurement precision by using multivariate analysis of volatile compound patterns while dramatically reducing device complexity and enabling portability for use during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection module is designed as a universal quality monitoring system that can assess dairy product quality through volatile compound analysis without requiring product-specific configuration. The same hardware platform and analysis methodology can monitor different dairy products by comparing against appropriate reference patterns, eliminating the need for multiple specialized laboratory equipment sets.
3Measurement precision
If physical sample extraction is performed for quality monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual sample extraction and laboratory analysis with an automated electronic nose system that directly analyzes volatile compounds in the product headspace. This substitution eliminates the need for physical sample extraction operations, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision through continuous non-invasive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the gaseous headspace as an intermediary medium to transfer information about product quality to the sensors without requiring direct contact with or extraction of the liquid product. This intermediary approach simplifies operation by allowing quality assessment through passive volatile detection rather than active sample collection and processing.
4Productivity
If continuous real-time monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection module implements periodic sampling of volatile compounds rather than truly continuous monitoring, measuring quality parameters at scheduled intervals during transportation. This periodic operation maintains productivity by providing regular quality assessments while reducing energy consumption compared to uninterrupted continuous measurement, optimizing the balance between monitoring throughput and power usage.
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 solution allows for continuous, real-time monitoring of dairy product quality without physical sample extraction, reducing operational costs and enabling early detection of microbial issues, thus maintaining product quality and compliance with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a gas permeable membrane, and a casing. The casing and the gas permeable membrane define together a closed chamber containing the sensor array and into which a portion of the contents of said gaseous headspace may be drawn through the gas-permeable membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
To address the problem of measuring the quality of products in real time the system comprises a set of actuators and sensors capable of processing the gas to be measured without direct human intervention. This measurement may then be output for example by a wireless communication channel. The system is placed within a reservoir containing the analysis matrix and a sampling extractor enabling the circulation of the gas to be measured so as to bring it into contact with the gas sensors. The pump may be activated intermittently so as to regularly sample the air within the reservoir, leaving time between samples for the sensors to analyze the sample. The sensors used do not require any exterior intervention to operate, so that continuous operation is possible. The assessment is periodic, in real time, and in situ. Sampling is performed by displacing air from the reservoir into an analysis chamber in which a network of sensors continuously measure Volatile Compound levels. The gaseous sample, once analyzed, may be reintroduced into the reservoir so as not to impoverish the matrix, particularly where contamination of the sample during the analysis can be excluded. Alternatively, the sample may be evacuated outside the reservoir after analysis.