WO2024022794A1

WO2024022794A1 - Device and method for detecting a substance

Info

Publication number: WO2024022794A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/069034
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lisa Dreier; Christoph Kölbl
Original assignee: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
Priority date: 2022-07-28
Filing date: 2023-07-10
Publication date: 2024-02-01
Also published as: DE102022118947A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for detecting a substance, in particular an explosive substance. A flow (30) is directed in the direction of a surface (12) of a sample receiving assembly (10), and a person (2) to examine the substance to be detected and/or an object to examine the substance to be detected is arranged in front of the surface (12) in the flow direction (300), wherein the flow (30) transports substances, in particular the substance to be detected, in the direction of the surface (12). A suction assembly (20) acts on the rear face (14) of the surface (12), and the suction assembly (20) generates the flow (30) and suctions the substances through the surface (12). The flow (30) is directed in the direction (200) of the force of gravity, and the surface (12) is parallel to the ground (4) of the surrounding area. The invention additionally relates to a method for detecting a substance using such a device (1).

Description

title

Device and method for detecting a substance

The invention relates to a device for detecting a substance and a method for detecting a substance.

State of the art

The detection of explosives, for example, during access controls to critical infrastructures, such as at the airport, is of great importance in order to prevent attacks with so-called “home made explosives” (HMEs). In order to identify people or objects who have had contact with explosives and/or people who have manufactured explosives, it is important that the smallest quantities are detected quickly and reliably. Different methods are typically used at access portals. Well-known contactless methods include mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry, X-ray systems, microwave portals, and sniffer dogs.

From US 4896547 A a device is known which comprises a U-shaped cabin with an open end. Through the open end, a person walks past walls of the booth that include a metal detector. The person comes to a stop in front of a mesh screen facing a vertical end wall which includes a vertical array of funnels. When an air sample is taken, a fan outside the cabin draws a large volume of air around the person and horizontally through funnels in the front wall and through ducts into a collection container for subsequent analysis. Essentially all of the air around the person is sucked in. The suction takes place in a horizontal direction. Disclosure of the invention

The objects of the invention are to provide a device and a method which enable reliable detection of substances, in particular substances that sink towards the ground.

The tasks are solved by the features of the independent claims. Favorable refinements and advantages of the invention result from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

The features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically sensible manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and by details from the figures, with further embodiment variants of the invention being shown.

The invention is based on a device for detecting a substance, in particular an explosive. A flow is directed towards a surface of a sample receiving arrangement, and a person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or an object to be examined for the substance to be detected is arranged in front of the surface in the direction of flow. The flow transports substances and in particular the substance to be detected towards the surface.

It is proposed that a suction arrangement acts on a rear side of the surface, the suction arrangement generating the flow and sucking the substances through the surface, the flow being directed in the direction of gravity and the surface being arranged parallel to a floor of the environment.

The person being examined for the substance to be detected stands or walks on the surface. Additionally or alternatively, the object to be examined for the substance to be detected can stand on the surface or be moved over the surface. The surface can have openings through which the sucked-in substances can be sucked through the surface. The flow generated can advantageously be particularly low in turbulence. In the following, low-turbulence means that the flow runs towards the surface with little turbulence.

In the following, a sample is understood to mean sucked-in air together with substances transported by the flow, in particular vapors and/or gases and/or particles, which are sucked in through the surface by the suction arrangement. A sample can be taken by sucking in the air surrounding the person or object, including the substances.

Advantageously, samples can be taken near the ground using the device according to the invention, which can shorten the reaction times after a measurement, so that a significantly higher throughput of people and / or objects can be achieved. Additionally or alternatively, a concentration of highly volatile substances, which decrease in space, can increase in the sample. As a result, the highly volatile sinking substances can advantageously be collected in larger quantities by taking samples near the ground and can therefore be detected more easily than with known devices in which the suction takes place, for example, in the horizontal direction. The structure is designed primarily for rapid detection of low concentrations, whereby the critical amount of the substance to be detected can be reached by removing it near the ground. Compared to the mass or ion mobility spectrometer, the sensitivity of the device is somewhat lower and the response times are also shorter. The term “reaction time” refers to the duration required for a measurement.

The suction arrangement can be designed in such a way that a flow arises around the person or object up to a predetermined height. The suction arrangement can generate an adjustable suction strength or a constant suction strength. The device can advantageously be used for the detection of any type of explosives or other illegal substances during security checks. One area of application is the detection of the explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP) or acetone peroxide (APEX) due to the relatively high vapor pressure and the fact that triacetone triperoxide or acetone peroxide sinks in space and can therefore be detected particularly well near the ground.

Of course, the technology can also be used for other applications that have similar requirements and limitations. For example, other unmentioned explosives and/or illegal substances, such as intoxicants, can be reliably detected by the device.

Furthermore, the collected samples can easily be assigned to the person standing or walking on the surface or to the object standing or moving on the surface. This allows the anomaly positions to be precisely located. In the following, precise localization is understood to mean the reliable assignment of a detected substance to a person or an object.

In this case, the deployment of security personnel can be reduced because they can be deployed specifically in cases in which the device has detected at least one of the substances to be detected. Here, the staff can also check whether or not it is actually an explosive or intoxicant or other prohibited substances and substances.

A further advantage of the device according to the invention is that by eliminating side walls, the device can be arranged in an environment in a more space-saving and therefore more flexible and inconspicuous manner than known devices. This allows a flow of people to pass through the facility quickly. Furthermore, with this open variant, direct contact with the person or object or remaining in a fixed measuring position to take the sample can be avoided, which leads to an improved flow of people and/or objects. The improved flow of people and/or objects makes it possible to control many or almost all people and/or objects that pass through the area with the facility. This can reduce the likelihood that a substance to be detected will be overlooked.

Furthermore, the smuggling of illegal substances and/or materials or the further transport of explosives can be made more difficult. This can advantageously reduce the probability of an explosive attack.

The sample receiving arrangement forming the surface can be embedded in a floor or integrated into the floor so that the surface is aligned with the surrounding floor area. The aligned arrangement allows people to pass through the surface quickly. Alternatively, the surface may be arranged above the surrounding floor surface or below the surrounding floor surface, with a step being formed. The step can be used to control the flow of people so that, for example, only one person or only one object stands or walks or is moved on the surface.

The device for detecting a substance, in particular an explosive, can be used, for example, at airports, in the area of football stadiums, in the fire department, in the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance and/or in the police and/or in other endangered places or situations with a potential risk become.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, the sample receiving arrangement, which forms the surface, can be designed as a doormat lying on the floor and/or integrated into the floor. A doormat is advantageously inconspicuous and can be used in a variety of ways and can be placed on the floor. The doormat includes both the surface through which the sample can be sucked in and the back on which the suction arrangement works. Integration of the sample receiving arrangement into the soil can also advantageously be unobtrusive and can be used in a variety of ways. Since triacetone triperoxide or acetone peroxide is heavier than air, it sinks in the room. The concentration to be expected is highest under the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or under the object to be examined for the substance to be detected, or near the ground. By using the doormat and/or by integrating the sample collection arrangement into the floor, the analysis of the airspace or the sampling can take place where the highest concentration of triacetone triperoxide or acetone peroxide is expected. This also applies to other substances.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, a fan arrangement can be arranged opposite the surface, which increases the flow strength of the flow directed towards the surface. In addition, the blower arrangement can also remove substances from the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected, which are further away from the floor surface.

The fan can be arranged, for example, on a ceiling, in particular above the surface. Holding arrangements are also conceivable which position the fan above the surface and fix it in the predetermined position. The distance between the surface and the fan can be at least the height of an above-average man, so that as many people as possible can pass through the surface unhindered.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, the sample receiving arrangement can have a substructure below the surface. The substructure can form at least one measuring chamber, which includes at least one opening arranged on the surface. The suction arrangement can suck in the substances through the at least one opening in the released state. Advantageously, each measuring chamber has at least one opening in the surface. The samples can be collected in the measuring chambers. It is also possible to examine the samples in the measuring chambers. It is possible to take several samples through several measuring chambers and through the corresponding openings in the released state. These samples can be examined individually. This means that several measuring chambers or several measuring cells can be operated in parallel and independently of one another. Alternatively, the samples from different measuring chambers or different measuring cells can be mixed together and examined together.

Furthermore, predetermined measuring chambers can be closed by closing the corresponding openings, so that the samples can only be taken from certain areas of the surface. As a result, the concentration of substances to be detected in the sample or samples taken can increase, since samples are only taken in those areas in which, for example, due to the position of the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and / or the person to be detected Substance to be examined there is an increased probability of detecting the substance.

For example, openings in the surface can be closed and therefore have a non-released state, which are furthest away from the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected. This makes it more difficult to suck in air without contact with the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected, and thereby dilute the sample. Furthermore, closable openings make it possible to dispense with placing the people to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the objects to be examined for the substance to be detected in a specific measuring position on the surface, which means faster sampling can take place. In a cost-effective embodiment, the substructure can only form a measuring chamber with several openings. The openings can be closable and unlockable. In the following, releasing the opening or the released state of the opening means that at least part of the cross section of the opening is not covered and the air flow can pass through this area of the cross section of the opening.

Closing the opening or the non-released state of the opening and the closed opening are understood below to mean that the cross section of the opening is completely covered and no air flow flows through the cross section of the opening.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, the at least one measuring chamber can have at least one corresponding opening mechanism, which moves at least one flap closing the at least one opening between a position releasing the at least one opening and a position closing the at least one opening. Here, an opening in the surface can be at least partially opened by the corresponding flap in the releasing position. If the flap is in the closing position, the corresponding opening can be completely closed. Air and transported substances can enter the measuring chamber through the at least one partially opened opening.

Various versions are possible here. If the measuring chamber has several openings, the openings can be opened or closed by a common flap. Furthermore, each opening can be assigned its own flap, which closes or opens the corresponding opening. Furthermore, a knife chamber can have one or more openings. As a result, a measuring chamber can have several openings with different states. Alternatively, several measuring chambers, each with a single opening, can have openings in different states. According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, only the measuring chambers which are in contact with the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or in contact with the object to be examined for the substance to be detected can have at least one flap in the position releasing the opening exhibit. The measuring chambers are limited at the top by an area of the surface, therefore the measurement chambers which are in contact with the person and/or the object are understood to mean that the corresponding area of the surface is at least partially in contact with the person and/or the Object stands. Because only predetermined openings have a released state, a gas space around the person to be examined or around the object to be examined can be at least partially sucked out. As a result, an area for sampling can be adjusted to a position of the person to be examined or the object to be examined or to a position of the gas space surrounding the person to be examined or the object to be examined.

This allows sampling to be further optimized and the expected concentration of substances to be detected to increase.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, the at least one opening mechanism can have at least one spring arrangement. A weight force of the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected can move a flap closing the corresponding opening against the spring force into a position that releases the opening. Thanks to the spring arrangement, the corresponding flap can be moved into a position closing the opening by the spring force as soon as the weight force is no longer effective. As a result, it can be ensured using simple means, in particular without sensors, that openings in the area of the person to be examined and/or the object to be examined have the released state. According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, the suction arrangement can have at least one vacuum-generating element and at least one suction element coupled to the vacuum-generating element with at least one suction opening, the at least one vacuum-generating element generating a suction pressure in the at least one measuring chamber via the at least one suction element. The suction pressure creates a suction through the at least one opening of the measuring chamber and thereby the flow towards the surface. In a device with several measuring chambers, each measuring chamber can be coupled to at least one suction element. Several suction elements can be assigned to a measuring chamber. The suction opening of the respective suction element can protrude through walls into the measuring chamber. Alternatively, a suction element can be installed in the measuring chamber. The suction element can have several suction openings. A suction element with several suction openings can be installed in several measuring chambers. In addition, the sample can be picked up via the at least one suction opening of the suction element and transported to an evaluation unit outside the measuring chamber. The suction element can be designed, for example, as a flexible or rigid hose and/or as a flexible or rigid line.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, the suction arrangement can have at least one controllable valve arrangement with at least one valve, which closes or releases at least one suction element. By closing a valve, the suction pressure transmitted through the suction element into the measuring chamber can be stopped. This means that even if the opening in the surface is permanently open, only the measuring chambers in which the suction pressure acts can take samples. Thanks to the controllable valves, measuring chambers that take samples can be actively selected by opening the corresponding valves. This allows an area of the sample receiving arrangement to be selected for sampling. This allows sampling to be further optimized and the expected concentration of substances to be detected to increase. Furthermore, the opening mechanism and the valve arrangement can be coordinated to further optimize sampling. According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, at least one sensor arrangement can determine the position of the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected on the surface. Depending on the position determined, openings on the surface can be released or fired using the corresponding opening mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, valves of the valve arrangement can be opened or closed depending on the determined position. As a result, air can only be sucked into predetermined partial areas of the sample receiving arrangement that depend on the position of the person to be examined or the position of the object to be examined. The sensor arrangement can include a camera and/or a lidar system and/or pressure sensors.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, the surface can have a positioning arrangement. The positioning arrangement can, for example, have a stop element which protrudes from the surface. As a result, a person or object to be examined comes to a stop in a predetermined position. This allows sample material to be specifically sucked into this limited area. By pre-selecting the measuring range, the air space being examined is further restricted, which means that the expected concentration is higher and the specified substances can be detected more easily. Furthermore, the stop element can be designed such that the feet of the person to be examined protrude at least partially into the stop element. The stop element can have a roof with openings through which air can be sucked in. This allows the number of sucked-in volatile substances, in particular particles, vapors, gases or mixtures thereof, which rise upwards to be increased and detection of such substances can be made easier.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, the sample receiving arrangement can be coupled to at least one measuring arrangement. The measuring arrangement can comprise a gas phase infrared spectroscopy unit, and/or a mass spectrometer and/or another suitable spectroscopic measuring arrangement. According to a further aspect, the invention is based on a method for detecting a substance, in particular an explosive, wherein a flow is directed towards a surface of a sample receiving arrangement and a person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or a substance to be detected The object to be examined is arranged in front of the surface in the direction of flow.

It is proposed that the flow is directed in the direction of gravity and the surface is arranged parallel to a floor of the environment, the flow transporting substances and in particular the substance to be detected towards the surface, the flow being generated by a suction arrangement and the substances are sucked through the surface by the suction arrangement.

Advantageously, the method according to the invention can be used to take samples near the ground, which can shorten reaction times after a measurement, so that a significantly higher throughput of people and/or objects can be achieved. Additionally or alternatively, the concentration of highly volatile substances, which sink in space, can increase in the sample. The highly volatile sinking substances can advantageously be collected in larger quantities by taking samples near the ground and can therefore be detected more easily than with known methods.

The method is particularly useful for rapid detection, especially of low concentrations, whereby the critical amount of the substance to be detected can be achieved by removing it near the ground.

The method can advantageously be used for the detection of any type of explosives or other illegal substances during security checks. One area of application is the detection of the explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP) or acetone peroxide (APEX) due to the relatively high vapor pressure and the fact that triacetone triperoxide or acetone peroxide sinks in space and can therefore be detected particularly well near the ground. Of course, the method can also be used for other applications where similar requirements and restrictions exist. For example, other unmentioned explosives and/or illegal substances, such as intoxicants, can be reliably detected by the device.

Furthermore, the collected samples can easily be assigned to the person standing or walking on the surface or to the object standing or moving on the surface. This allows the anomaly positions to be precisely located. In the following, precise localization is understood to mean the reliable assignment of at least one of the substances to be detected to a person or an object.

In this case, the deployment of security personnel can be reduced because they can be deployed specifically in cases in which the device has detected at least one of the substances to be detected. Here, the staff can also check whether or not it is actually an explosive or intoxicant or other prohibited substances.

The flow generated can advantageously be particularly low in turbulence. In the following, low-turbulence means that the flow runs towards the surface with little turbulence.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, measuring chambers of the sample receiving arrangement can be released or blocked for sampling depending on the position of the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected on the surface. For example, only the measuring chambers surrounding the shoe position can be released for sampling and the other measuring chambers can be blocked for sampling. For example, corresponding openings in the surface can be opened or closed for this purpose. Additionally or alternatively, for this purpose, suction elements in the measuring chambers can be released or closed by valves. By selecting the measuring chambers for taking samples, the concentration of highly volatile substances that sink in the room can be increased. According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, air can be sucked in continuously via the released measuring chambers until the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected leaves a predetermined measuring range. Depending on the dwell time, the measurement time can range from a few seconds to several minutes.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the air sucked in can be continuously examined for the substance to be detected using a measuring method. A signal arrangement can emit a light signal and/or an acoustic signal when the substance to be detected is measured in the measuring process. A continuous measurement process can reduce the likelihood that the substance to be detected will be overlooked. The signal arrangement allows simplified feedback to be given to the staff. The signal arrangement can, for example, be designed as a red/green traffic light or as a screen which outputs detailed information, for example measurement spectra.

Additionally or alternatively, the signal arrangement can include a loudspeaker which emits a warning noise when the substance to be detected has been detected. After determining the substance to be detected, the device can be cleaned by flushing, for example with nitrogen, and then put back into operation.

The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are favorable for the detection of any type of explosives during security checks. A particularly favorable area of application is the detection of the explosive triacetone triperoxide or acetone peroxide due to the relatively high vapor pressure and the fact that triacetone triperoxide or acetone peroxide sinks in space and can therefore be detected particularly well near the ground. Of course, the device and the method can also be used for other applications where similar requirements and restrictions exist.

drawing Further advantages result from the following drawing description. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, description and claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further sensible combinations.

They show, for example:

1 shows a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention for detecting a substance in the active state;

2 shows a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention for detecting a substance in the active state;

3 shows an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of an opening mechanism of a sampling arrangement;

4 shows a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention for detecting a substance in the deactivated state;

5 shows an enlarged view of a suction arrangement and a valve arrangement of the exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention according to FIG. 4;

6 shows a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention for detecting a substance in a deactivated state; and

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the method according to the invention for detecting a substance.

Embodiments of the invention

In the figures, components of the same type or with the same effect are numbered with the same reference numerals. The figures only show examples and are not to be understood as limiting. Before the invention is described in detail, it should be noted that it is not limited to the respective components of the device or the respective process steps, since these components and processes can vary. The terms used herein are intended solely to describe particular embodiments and are not used in a limiting sense. Furthermore, if the singular or indefinite articles are used in the description or in the claims, this also refers to the plurality of these elements, unless the overall context clearly indicates otherwise.

Directional terminology used below with terms such as “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “before”, “behind”, “after” and the like only serves to better understand the figures and is in no way intended to limit the represent generality. The components and elements shown, their design and use can vary according to the considerations of a person skilled in the art and can be adapted to the respective applications.

Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6 represent exemplary embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention for detecting a substance, in particular for detecting an explosive.

Figures 1 and 2 show the device in an activated state, while Figures 4 and 6 show the device in a deactivated state.

The following will first address the similarities between the exemplary embodiments shown and the differences between the exemplary embodiments will be discussed in the further course of the description.

As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, when the device 1 is activated, a flow 30 is directed towards a surface 12 of a sample receiving arrangement 10. This also applies to the exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the deactivated state in FIGS. 4 and 6 in the activated state, which do not show the flow 30 in the deactivated state. As can be seen from Figure 2, a laminar, low-turbulence flow field 30 can be constructed in the exemplary embodiment shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, only suction is carried out, whereby the laminar, low-turbulence flow field 30 collapses from a certain distance to the surface 12 and can therefore be turbulent from this distance onwards and directed suction/suction in this area is made more difficult.

A person 2 to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or an object to be examined for the substance to be detected is arranged in front of the surface 12 in the flow direction 300. The flow 30 transports substances and in particular the substance to be detected towards the surface 12. The substance can have particles and/or vapors and/or gases. A suction arrangement 20 acts on a back side 14 of the surface 12, the suction arrangement 20 generating the flow 30 and sucking the substances through the surface 12. The flow 30 is directed in the direction 200 of gravity and the surface 12 is arranged parallel to a floor 4 (Figures 4 and 6) of the environment.

The flow 30 can be generated continuously by the suction arrangement 20. The objects and/or people 2 can enter the surface 12 or be placed on the surface 12 one after the other or at a predetermined distance from one another. If the device 1 is no longer needed, the device 1 and thereby, among other things, the suction arrangement 20 can be deactivated.

As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, substances collected in the sample receiving arrangement 10 can be directed to a measuring arrangement 40 arranged outside the sample receiving arrangement 10. In an alternative, not shown, embodiment of the device 1, the measuring arrangement 40 can also be arranged in the area of the back 14 of the sample receiving arrangement 10. As can be seen from Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the suction takes place exclusively via the surface 12 of the sample receiving arrangement 10. In the so-called open version shown, there is neither direct contact with the person 2 or the object It is still necessary for the person 2 or the object to remain in a fixed measuring position, which leads to an improved flow of people or objects. An open design is understood below to mean that a person 2 can enter the sample receiving arrangement 10 coming from one direction and can leave the sample receiving arrangement 10 in another direction. The device 1 has at least two open sides. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the sample receiving arrangement 10 is accessible from all sides.

Since the explosive triacetone triperoxide or acetone peroxide is heavier than air, it sinks in the room. The expected concentration is therefore highest under person 2 or the object, or near the ground 4. By using the surface 12, which runs parallel to the floor 4, the analysis of the air space can be carried out where the highest concentration of triacetone triperoxide or acetone peroxide is expected. Furthermore, the flow 30 directed in the direction of gravity supports the transport of these substances towards the surface 12.

The second exemplary embodiment of the device 1 shown in FIG. 2 differs from the exemplary embodiment of the device 1 shown in FIG directed flow 30 reinforced. As can be seen from Figure 2, the height at which the blower arrangement 50 is arranged corresponds at least to the height of an adult person.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the flow 30 is generated at a greater distance from the surface 12 by the blower arrangement 50. As a result, substances in the head area of the person 2 can also be dissolved by the flow 30 and transported towards the surface 12. As can be seen from Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6, the sample receiving arrangement 10 forming the surface 12 is designed in the exemplary embodiments shown as a doormat lying on the floor 4.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, not shown, the sample receiving arrangement 10 can be integrated into the floor 4.

1, 2, 4 and 6, the sample receiving arrangement 10 has a substructure 15 below the surface 12, which forms at least one measuring chamber 16, which includes at least one opening 18 arranged on the surface 12. The suction assembly 20 sucks the substances through the at least one opening 18 in a released state.

The measuring chambers 16 cannot be seen in Figures 1 and 2.

In Figures 3, 4 and 6, the substructure 15 of the exemplary embodiment of the device 1 shown in each case comprises a measuring chamber 16.

In an exemplary embodiment not shown, the substructure 15 can also have a plurality of measuring chambers 16 separated from one another by walls.

As can be seen from Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6, the measuring chambers 16 are limited at the top by the back 14 of the surface 12. The openings 18 connect an air space above the surface 12 with an air space in the respective measuring chambers 16.

Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of an opening mechanism 17 of a sampling arrangement 10.

3, the measuring chamber 16 shown comprises three openings 18. The measuring chamber 16 has at least one corresponding opening mechanism 17, which has at least one flap 13 between a position that releases the at least one opening 18 and a position that closes the at least one opening 18 Position moved. As can be seen from Figure 3, each of the three openings 18 can be closed or opened by its own flap 13. In an alternative, not shown, embodiment of the sample receiving arrangement 10, a flap 13 can also open or close several openings 18 at the same time. Furthermore, a further exemplary embodiment, not shown, of the sample receiving arrangement 10 can have more than one measuring chamber 16. In addition, the measuring chambers 16 or the measuring chamber 16 can have more or fewer than three openings 18.

In one exemplary embodiment, only the measuring chambers 16 have at least one flap 13 in the position releasing the opening 18, which is in contact with the person 2 to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or in contact with the object to be examined for the substance to be detected stand. This can be implemented by a sensor unit or, as shown in FIG. 3, by a corresponding design of the opening mechanism 17. As a result, the area of the surface 12 at which air is sucked in and thereby the air space above the surface 12 which is sucked in can be further optimized, whereby the expected concentration of detecting substance can be increased.

3, the opening mechanisms 17 shown each have at least one spring arrangement 19, with a weight force of the person 2 to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected closing the opening 18 Flap 13 is transferred against the spring force into an opening 18 releasing position. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the person 2 or the object moves a piston, which is coupled to the flap 13, downwards against the spring force. If the person 2 or the object leaves the area of the piston, the spring force moves the piston and the flap 13 back up. Other directions of movement are also conceivable. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, not shown, at least one sensor arrangement can determine the position of the person 2 to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected on the surface 12. Here, for example, an actuator of the opening mechanism 17 can be activated depending on the sensor signals in order to move flaps 13 into the releasing position in the area of the person 2 to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator can move flaps 13, which are further away from the person 2 to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected, into the closed position.

5, the suction arrangement 20 has at least one vacuum-generating element 22 and at least one suction element 24 that is fluidically coupled to the vacuum-generating element 22 and has at least one suction opening 28. The at least one suction element 24 is fluidly coupled to at least one of the measuring chamber 16 (FIGS. 4 and 6). The at least one vacuum-generating element 22 generates a suction pressure in the corresponding at least one measuring chamber 16 via the at least one suction element 24.

As can be seen from Figures 4, 5 and 6, they are suction elements 24 designed as pipes or hoses, which are directly or indirectly connected to a collecting hose which is coupled to the vacuum-generating element 22. Other connections and couplings and designs of the suction elements 24 are also conceivable. In the exemplary embodiments shown, predetermined suction elements 24 run in the longitudinal direction through a measuring chamber 16. In the exemplary embodiments shown, a measuring chamber 16 has a plurality of suction elements 14. The suction elements 14 running in the measuring chamber 16 have a plurality of suction openings 28 in the longitudinal direction. The suction of air through the surface 12 via the openings 18 or the opening 18 of the respective measuring chamber 16 can take place by closing the opening 18 or the openings 18 or by interrupting the fluid flow between the respective suction opening 28 and the vacuum-generating element 22. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, not shown, the suction elements 24 can be laid in walls which delimit the measuring chambers 16, the suction opening 28 being coupled to the measuring chamber 16 via an opening in the corresponding wall.

5, the suction arrangement 20 in the exemplary embodiment shown has at least one controllable valve arrangement 21 with at least one valve 26, which closes or releases at least one suction element 24. The valve 26 can be designed as a solenoid valve. By closing predetermined valves 26, no suction pressure is generated at the corresponding suction openings 28 that are decoupled from the vacuum-generating element 22, so that no air is sucked in through the openings 18 (FIGS. 4 and 6) in the area of these suction openings 28. By opening predetermined valves 26, a suction pressure is generated at the corresponding suction openings 28 coupled to the vacuum-generating element 22, so that air is sucked in through the openings 18 in the area of these suction openings 28 and thereby the flow 30 is formed.

A sensor arrangement, not shown, determines the position of the person to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected on the surface 12. Depending on the position of the person 2 or the object, the corresponding valves 26 are opened. The air is thus sucked into the measuring chambers 16 below the person 2 or the object.

The sensor arrangement can have pressure sensors and/or a camera and/or a lidar system. The information about the position of the person 2 or the object and thereby the measuring position is used to switch valves 26 installed under the doormat or in the substructure 15 of the sample receiving arrangement 10 and thus only suck in air over a partial area of the surface 12. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the vacuum-generating element 22 is designed as a pump, which also transports the sucked-in substances to the measuring arrangement 40. Since samples in the exemplary embodiments shown are only taken above areas of the surface 12 which are in contact with the person 2 or the object, dilution of the sample determined is made more difficult and the concentration of substances to be detected is increased.

The measuring arrangement 40 can include a wide variety of analysis devices, such as a gas phase infrared spectroscopy unit, or a mass spectrometer or another suitable spectroscopic measuring arrangement.

The exemplary embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figure 4 comprises a measuring chamber 16 with a plurality of suction elements 24 running parallel to one another. Here, the openings 18 in the surface 12 can be permanently opened or released and closed via an opening mechanism, not shown. Additionally or alternatively, valves 26 of the valve arrangement 21 can be opened or closed depending on the position of the person 2 or the object.

The exemplary embodiment of the device 1 shown in FIG. 6 differs from the other exemplary embodiments in that the surface 12 has a positioning arrangement 11. The positioning arrangement 11 is designed as a stop element in the manner of a cap, which causes people 2 to always stand at a certain point on the surface 12. This is done specifically at this point with the help of the suction elements 24 on the underside 14 of the surface 12 or with the help of the suction elements 24, which are arranged on a bottom of the measuring chamber 16, or with the help of the suction elements 24, which are fluidly coupled to the corresponding measuring chamber 16 are, air is sucked in above the surface 12. Additionally or alternatively, air can also be sucked in through openings in the cap, causing volatile substances, such as particles, vapors, gases, to rise upwards. By limiting or preselecting the measuring range by the positioning arrangement 11 and/or by the opening mechanism 17 and/or by the valve arrangement 21, the air space is further restricted, as a result of which the expected concentration is higher and detection can be carried out more easily.

In an exemplary embodiment not shown, the device 1 can have heating elements in the at least one measuring chamber 16 and/or on the surface 12 and/or on the back 14. The heating elements are used on the one hand to adjust the temperature-dependent vapor pressure of the molecules to be detected, and on the other hand to avoid condensation of the molecules on the surface 12 before they are detected.

Furthermore, the device 1 can have an evaluation and control unit for evaluating the sensor signals, for controlling the valves 26 and/or the opening mechanism 17. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation and control unit can control the vacuum-generating element 22. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation and control unit can control an output unit which issues a warning signal when the substance to be detected is detected.

7 shows a flowchart of a method for detecting a substance, in particular an explosive, wherein in method step S200 a person 2 to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or an object to be examined for the substance to be detected is arranged in front of the surface 12 in the flow direction 300 becomes. In method step S210, a flow 30 is directed toward a surface 12 of a sample receiving arrangement 10. This flow 30 can be generated continuously. Alternatively, the flow 30 is generated as soon as a person 2 enters the surface 12, the generation of the flow can be stopped as soon as the person 2 leaves the surface 12. The flow 30 is directed in the direction 200 of gravity, and the surface 12 is arranged parallel to a floor 4 of the environment, the flow 30 transporting substances and in particular the substance to be detected towards the surface 12, the flow 30 being carried out by a suction arrangement 20 is generated and the substances are sucked through the surface 12 by the suction arrangement 20 in method step S212.

The sampling begins when the person 2 enters the surface 12 or the object is placed there. In method step S212, the sucked in air is continuously examined for the substance to be detected using a measuring method. In method step S220, the sucked in air is analyzed by a measuring arrangement 40.

In method step S230 it is determined whether the person 2 or the object is still on the surface 12. Air is continuously sucked in through the released measuring chambers until the person 2 to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected leaves a predetermined measuring range.

In method step S240, the measurement result is determined. Here, a signal arrangement emits a light signal and/or an acoustic signal when the substance to be detected is measured in the measuring process. If the query in method step S250 denies detection of the substance to be detected in the previous step S240, the check is ended in method step S260.

If the query in method step S250 confirms that the substance to be detected was detected in the previous step S240, a manual check of the person 2 or the object is carried out in method step S270.

In method step S290, the device 1 or at least the sample receiving arrangement 10 can be cleaned regardless of the result of the manual check. In an alternative embodiment of the method 100, the cleaning can take place when the substance to be detected has been found in method step S280. In a method step S300, regular maintenance of the device 1 is provided.

In an alternative method step, not shown, measuring chambers 16 of the sample receiving arrangement 10 are released or closed for sampling depending on the position of the person 2 to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or of the substance to be detected on the surface 12. Here, for example, sensor signals from a sensor arrangement can be evaluated.

The electronics used to carry out the method are expediently designed in such a way that they have the following functionalities:

Control of solenoid valves operated with 24 V, for example;

Heating and regulating the temperature on the measuring cell;

Activating the vacuum pump;

Detecting people 2 or objects on the surface 12; Communication with external control software.

Reference symbols

1 device for detecting a substance

2 people

4 floor

10 sample receiving arrangement

11 positioning arrangement

12 surface

13 flap

14 back

15 substructure

16 measuring chambers

17 opening mechanism

18 opening

19 spring arrangement

20 intake arrangement

21 valve arrangement

22 vacuum-generating element (suction pump)

24 Suction element (connecting line)

26 valve

28 intake opening

30 low-turbulence flow

40 measuring arrangement

50 blower arrangement

100 methods for detecting a substance

200 towards gravity

300 towards the current

S200-S300 process steps

Claims

Expectations

1. Device (1) for detecting a substance, in particular an explosive, wherein a flow (30) is directed towards a surface (12) of a sample receiving arrangement (10) and a person (2) to be examined for the substance to be detected and / or an object to be examined for the substance to be detected is arranged in the flow direction (300) in front of the surface (12), the flow (30) transporting substances and in particular the substance to be detected in the direction of the surface (12), characterized in that a suction arrangement (20) acts on a back side (14) of the surface (12), the suction arrangement (20) generating the flow (30) and sucking the substances through the surface (12), the flow (30) in the direction ( 200) is directed by gravity and the surface (12) is arranged parallel to a floor (4) in the environment.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sample receiving arrangement (10) forming the surface (12) is designed as a doormat lying on the floor (4) and / or is integrated into the floor (4).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a fan arrangement (50) is arranged opposite the surface (12), which increases the flow strength of the flow (30) directed in the direction of the surface (12).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sample receiving arrangement (10) has a substructure (15) below the surface (12), which forms at least one measuring chamber (16), which has at least one arranged on the surface (12). Opening (18), wherein the suction arrangement (20) sucks the substances through the at least one opening (18) in a released state. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one measuring chamber (16) has at least one corresponding opening mechanism (17), which has at least one flap (13) between a position releasing the at least one opening (18) and one of the at least one opening (18 ) moves to the closing position. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that only measuring chambers (16) have at least one flap (13) in the position releasing the opening (18), which is in contact with the person (2) to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or in Be in contact with the object to be examined for the substance to be detected. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one opening mechanism (17) has at least one spring arrangement (19), with a weight force of the person (2) to be examined towards the substance to be detected and/or of the substance to be detected of the object to be examined, a flap (13) closing the opening (18) is transferred against the spring force into a position releasing the opening (18). Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the suction arrangement (20) has at least one vacuum-generating element (22) and at least one suction element (24) fluidically coupled to the vacuum-generating element (22) with at least one suction opening (28), whereby the at least one suction element (24) is fluidly coupled to at least one of the measuring chambers (16), wherein the at least one vacuum-generating element (22) generates a suction pressure in the corresponding at least one measuring chamber (16) via the at least one suction element (24). Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the suction arrangement (20) has at least one controllable valve arrangement (21) with at least one valve (26) which closes or releases at least one suction element (24). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor arrangement determines the position of the person (2) to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected on the surface (12). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface (12) has a positioning arrangement (11). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sample receiving arrangement (10) is coupled to at least one measuring arrangement (40). Method for detecting a substance, in particular an explosive, wherein a flow (30) is directed towards a surface (12) of a sample receiving arrangement (10) and a person (2) to be examined and/or a person to be examined towards the substance to be detected detecting substance object to be examined is arranged in the flow direction (300) in front of the surface (12), characterized in that the flow (30) is directed in the direction (200) of gravity and the surface (12) is parallel to a floor (4) the environment is arranged, the flow (30) transporting substances and in particular the substance to be detected towards the surface (12), the flow (30) being generated by a suction arrangement (20) and the substances through the suction arrangement (20). be sucked in through the surface (12). Method according to claim 13, characterized in that measuring chambers (16) of the sample receiving arrangement (10) depend on the position of the person (2) to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected on the surface ( 12), be released or blocked for sampling. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that air is continuously sucked in via the released measuring chambers (16) until the person (2) to be examined for the substance to be detected and/or the object to be examined for the substance to be detected reaches a predetermined level leaves the measuring range. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the sucked in air is continuously examined for the substance to be detected using a measuring method, in particular wherein a

Signal arrangement emits a light signal and / or an acoustic signal when the substance to be detected is measured in the measuring process.