Wrist-Worn Carbon Monoxide Detector with Breath Analysis Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable devices do not effectively detect carbon monoxide levels in both ambient air and a user's breath, nor provide immediate alerts or readings when dangerous levels are detected.
Innovation Solution
A wrist-worn device configured as a smart watch or bracelet with a carbon monoxide detector that can be switched between states to allow for breath analysis, featuring a carbon monoxide level detector, a display for ppm readings, and alerts via color and audio signals when levels exceed thresholds, along with additional health monitoring capabilities like heart rate and SpO2 detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wrist-worn device includes a carbon monoxide detector to detect CO levels in ambient air and breath, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (carbon monoxide detection, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 detection, and display) into a single wrist-worn device, integrating them share a common housing and power source, thereby improving safety monitoring capability while managing device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The wrist-worn device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - detecting carbon monoxide in ambient air, detecting carbon monoxide in user breath, monitoring heart rate, measuring SpO2 levels, and providing visual/audio alerts. This multi-functionality approach enhances safety monitoring while optimizing the use of limited wearable device resources
2Loss of time
If the device provides immediate alerts and continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide levels, then response time to hazardous conditions is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic action by requiring the user to actively blow into the device to trigger breath analysis, rather than continuously monitoring breath CO levels. This reduces energy consumption while still providing timely detection when the user performs the blowing action, which is expected during moments of potential CO exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The device continuously monitors ambient carbon monoxide levels in the background without requiring user activation. This preliminary monitoring ensures that when hazardous levels are detected, the device can immediately alert the user, providing rapid response time while consuming minimal energy compared to continuous breath analysis
3Measurement precision
If the device includes a movable component to enable breath analysis, then breath detection capability is improved, but device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable component within the housing that transitions between positions to control access to the breath detection sensor. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to switch between ambient air monitoring mode and breath analysis mode, improving breath detection capability while managing complexity through a single movable element rather than multiple separate systems
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
Enables users to receive timely alerts and accurate readings of carbon monoxide levels in their environment and breath, potentially saving lives by providing immediate notification of hazardous conditions and promoting safety through continuous monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a first device includes a first carbon monoxide level detector; wherein in the second state the person can blow into the second device and cause a carbon monoxide level of the person's breath to be detected by the first carbon monoxide level detector
Implementation Method 2
The first device may include a second carbon monoxide level detector which is configured to detect a carbon monoxide level in ambient air
Implementation Method 3
The first device may include a heart rate monitor and/or an SpO2 (peripheral capillary oxygen saturation) detector
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a band; and a first device configured to attach to a person's wrist using the band; wherein the first device includes a first carbon monoxide level detector; wherein the first device includes a housing and a second device configured to be moved with respect to the housing from a first state to a second state; wherein in the first state a person cannot blow into the second device and cause a carbon monoxide level of the person's breath to be detected by the first carbon monoxide level detector; and wherein in the second state the person can blow into the second device and cause a carbon monoxide level of the person's breath to be detected by the first carbon monoxide level detector. The first device may include a second carbon monoxide level detector which is configured to detect a carbon monoxide level in ambient air.