Beverage quality detection apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of detection, and discloses a beverage quality detection device which comprises a light source, a quantum dot spectrum sensor and a data processor, the light source is configured to emit light rays of different wave bands; a detection area for containing a to-be-detected beverage is formed between the light source and the quantum dot spectrum sensor, the quantum dot spectrum sensor is used for receiving spectrum information of light emitted by the light source after passing through the to-be-detected beverage, the quantum dot spectrum sensor comprises a quantum dot filter and a detector, the quantum dot filter is located between the light source and the receiving side of the detector; the data processor is in signal connection with the quantum dot spectrum sensor, and the data processor is used for analyzing and processing spectrum data collected by the quantum dot spectrum sensor. The device can complete the detection of the quality of the to-be-detected beverage in a short time, greatly shortens the time required by a traditional detection method, improves work efficiency, and is suitable for production lines and on-site detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of testing technology, specifically to beverage quality testing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of society and the economy and the improvement of people's living standards, consumers' requirements for beverage quality are constantly increasing. Beverage quality directly affects consumers' health and drinking experience; therefore, how to quickly and accurately detect and evaluate beverage quality has become an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0003] Traditional beverage quality testing methods largely rely on chemical analysis and human sensory evaluation. Chemical analysis methods primarily involve reacting various chemical reagents with the components in the beverage, and determining the composition and content based on the reaction results. For example, acid-base titration is used to detect the total acid content in wine, and redox reactions are used to determine the alcohol content. However, in practice, these chemical analysis methods are time-consuming at every stage, from sample collection and pretreatment to reagent preparation, reaction process control, and result analysis and calculation. The entire testing process often takes several hours or even days, which is completely unacceptable for market scenarios that require rapid test results, such as real-time testing on beverage production lines and market sampling inspections.

[0004] Human sensory evaluation relies on professional tasters who comprehensively assess beverage quality through visual observation of color and clarity, olfactory identification of aroma, and gustatory evaluation of texture, sweetness, and acidity. While this method provides a direct evaluation from a sensory perspective, the professional level of tasters varies, and evaluation standards differ between them. Furthermore, sensory evaluation is susceptible to influences from environmental factors and the taster's individual condition. More importantly, human senses struggle to accurately identify certain trace components, such as specific flavor compounds or trace amounts of harmful substances, significantly compromising the accuracy and reliability of test results.

[0005] In addition, some traditional detection methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, although highly accurate in component analysis, are expensive and complex to operate, requiring professional technicians for maintenance and operation. This greatly limits their application in ordinary beverage production enterprises, small testing institutions, and routine market testing, preventing their widespread adoption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a beverage quality testing device to solve the problem of how to quickly, accurately, easily and cost-effectively test and evaluate beverage quality.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a beverage quality testing device, comprising:

[0008] The light source is configured to emit light in different wavelengths;

[0009] A quantum dot spectral sensor is provided, wherein a detection area for accommodating the beverage to be tested is formed between the light source and the quantum dot spectral sensor. The quantum dot spectral sensor is used to receive the spectral information of light emitted from the light source after passing through the beverage to be tested. The quantum dot spectral sensor includes a quantum dot filter and a detector, wherein the quantum dot filter is located between the receiving side of the light source and the detector.

[0010] A data processor is connected to the quantum dot spectral sensor and is used to analyze and process the spectral data collected by the quantum dot spectral sensor.

[0011] Beneficial Effects: By utilizing a light source, a quantum dot spectral sensor, and a data processor, when testing the quality of a beverage, simply place the beverage within the detection area formed between the light source and the quantum dot spectral sensor. Then, turn on the light source, which emits light of different wavelengths towards the beverage. The quantum dot spectral sensor receives the spectral information after the light passes through the beverage. The data processor analyzes and processes the spectral data collected by the quantum dot spectral sensor to generate component identification and concentration detection results. This equipment has low material costs, is simple to operate, requires no professional technicians for maintenance or operation, and can be widely adopted. Furthermore, this equipment can complete the quality testing of the beverage in a short time, significantly reducing the time required by traditional testing methods, improving work efficiency, and is suitable for production line and on-site testing.

[0012] In one optional implementation, the beverage to be tested is placed in the detection area via its packaging bottle; or,

[0013] The beverage quality testing equipment also includes a sample chamber, which is located within the testing area and is suitable for placing the beverage to be tested inside the sample chamber; the quantum dot spectral sensor is used to receive the spectral information of the light emitted by the light source after passing through the beverage to be tested inside the sample chamber.

[0014] Beneficial effects: For beverages in bottled form, the beverage to be tested can be placed directly into the testing area through the bottle. This invention uses spectroscopic technology for non-destructive testing, eliminating the need for sampling or damaging the beverage packaging, thus ensuring sample integrity. It is suitable for quality monitoring of high-value beverages (such as alcoholic beverages). Furthermore, based on the high sensitivity of the quantum dot spectroscopic sensor, the device can accurately identify trace components and subtle differences in beverages, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the test results.

[0015] In one alternative implementation, the size of the sample chamber is adjustable.

[0016] Beneficial effects: The size of the sample compartment is adjustable to accommodate packaging bottles of different sizes or shapes.

[0017] In one optional embodiment, the sample chamber is provided with two light-transmitting areas. The light emitted by the light source enters the sample chamber through one light-transmitting area, and the quantum dot spectral sensor receives the spectral information through the other light-transmitting area.

[0018] Beneficial effects: Light emitted from the light source enters the sample chamber through one transparent area, while the quantum dot spectrometer receives spectral information through another transparent area. The two transparent areas can be positioned opposite each other or at a predetermined angle.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the light source, the quantum dot spectral sensor, and the data processor are all disposed in the sample chamber and located outside the sample chamber; the light-emitting side of the light source and the receiving side of the quantum dot spectral sensor are both arranged facing the corresponding light-transmitting area.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, the spectral information includes at least one of reflection, absorption, and transmission; and / or, the light emitted by the light source is divided into detection light and reference light, wherein the detection light passes through the beverage to be tested, and the reference light does not pass through the beverage to be tested, and the quantum dot spectral sensor receives the spectral information after passing through the beverage to be tested and the spectral information without passing through the beverage to be tested in a time-division or zone-division manner.

[0021] In one alternative implementation, the light source comprises multiple sub-light sources with different wavelengths; or,

[0022] The light source includes a light-emitting element and a quantum dot filter located in front of the light-emitting element. The quantum dot filter includes multiple quantum dot regions, each of which has different optical properties.

[0023] In one alternative embodiment, the beverage quality testing device further includes a terminal unit, which includes a display unit and / or a remote connector. The display unit is signal-connected to the data processor and is configured to display the analysis results of the data processing module. The remote connector is signal-connected to the data processor and is adapted to signal-connect to an external mobile device and send the analysis results of the data processing module to the external mobile device.

[0024] In one alternative implementation, the data processor is configured to compare and analyze the spectral data acquired by the quantum dot spectral sensor with a preset spectral database within the data processor.

[0025] In one optional embodiment, the light emitted by the light source has a wavelength range of 400nm-2500nm; and / or, the light source further includes: a housing, the light-emitting element fixed relative to the housing, a switching part installed inside the housing, the quantum dot filter disposed in the switching part, and the switching part being used to switch different quantum dot regions located in the light emission direction of the light-emitting element. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beverage quality testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another beverage quality testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1. Light source; 2. Quantum dot spectral sensor; 3. Data processor; 4. Sample chamber; 5. Display; 6. Remote connection; 7. Packaging bottle. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] With the development of the social economy and the improvement of people's living standards, consumers' requirements for the quality of beverage products are constantly increasing. Beverage quality directly affects consumers' health and drinking experience; therefore, how to quickly and accurately detect and evaluate beverage quality has become a pressing technical problem. Traditional beverage quality testing methods mostly rely on chemical analysis and human sensory evaluation. Chemical analysis methods mainly involve reacting various chemical reagents with the components in the beverage, and determining the composition and content of the beverage based on the reaction results. For example, acid-base titration is used to detect the total acid content in wine, and redox reactions are used to determine the alcohol content. However, in practice, these chemical analysis methods require a significant amount of time in each step, from sample collection and pretreatment to reagent preparation, reaction process control, and result analysis and calculation. The entire testing process often takes several hours or even days, which is completely unacceptable for market scenarios that require rapid test results, such as real-time testing on beverage production lines and market sampling. Human sensory evaluation relies on professional tasters who comprehensively evaluate beverage quality by visually observing color and clarity, olfactorily identifying aroma, and tasting texture, sweetness, and acidity. While this method can provide an intuitive evaluation from the perspective of human sensory experience, the professional level of tasters varies, and their evaluation standards differ. Furthermore, sensory assessments are easily influenced by environmental factors and the taster's personal condition. More importantly, for some trace components, such as certain flavor compounds or trace harmful substances, human senses struggle to accurately identify them, significantly reducing the accuracy and reliability of the test results. Additionally, some traditional detection methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while highly accurate in component analysis, require expensive equipment and complex procedures, necessitating professional maintenance and operation. This severely limits their application in ordinary beverage production companies, small testing institutions, and routine market testing, hindering their widespread adoption.

[0033] Therefore, this embodiment provides a beverage quality testing device, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a light source 1, a quantum dot spectral sensor 2, and a data processor 3. The light source 1 is configured to emit light of different wavelengths. A detection area for accommodating the beverage to be tested is formed between the light source 1 and the quantum dot spectral sensor 2. The quantum dot spectral sensor 2 is used to receive the spectral information of the light emitted by the light source 1 after passing through the beverage to be tested. The quantum dot spectral sensor 2 includes a quantum dot filter and a detector. The quantum dot filter is located between the receiving side of the light source 1 and the detector. The data processor 3 is signal-connected to the quantum dot spectral sensor 2 and is used to analyze and process the spectral data collected by the quantum dot spectral sensor 2.

[0034] The quantum dot spectrometer 2, based on the selective luminescence properties of its material, excites and records the spectral response of the beverage under test at different wavelengths. Taking alcoholic beverage samples as an example, different components in alcoholic beverage samples (such as ethanol, sugars, acids, esters, etc.) will produce specific absorption or reflection patterns for light of different wavelengths, forming unique spectral patterns. The multi-band detection capability of the quantum dot sensor enables it to capture the spectral characteristics of different components and generate complete spectral data of the alcoholic beverage. In this embodiment, the light source 1 can emit light of different wavelengths. Specifically, the light source 1 is a high-efficiency LED light source 1 composed of multiple sets of LEDs, capable of switching between multiple different wavelengths (400-2500nm), suitable for the detection needs of beverage components.

[0035] In this embodiment, a detection area is formed between the light source 1 and the quantum dot spectral sensor 2 to accommodate the beverage to be tested. During detection, the beverage is placed inside the detection area. As described above, the quantum dot spectral sensor 2 receives the spectral information of the light emitted by the light source 1 after passing through the beverage. The quantum dot spectral sensor 2 uses existing components and includes a quantum dot filter and a detector. The quantum dot filter is located between the receiving side of the light source 1 and the detector. The data processor 3 is signal-connected to the quantum dot spectral sensor 2 and is used to analyze and process the spectral data collected by the quantum dot spectral sensor 2. Specifically, the data processor 3 integrates a high-efficiency component analysis algorithm, which can compare with a preset spectral database to achieve rapid identification and concentration calculation of multi-dimensional components. The data processor 3 is directly applied, and its internally integrated component analysis algorithm can use existing technologies.

[0036] By utilizing a light source 1, a quantum dot spectral sensor 2, and a data processor 3, when the quality of a beverage needs to be tested, it is only necessary to place the beverage within the detection area formed between the light source 1 and the quantum dot spectral sensor. Then, the light source 1 is turned on, emitting light of different wavelengths towards the beverage. The quantum dot spectral sensor 2 receives the spectral information of the light emitted by the light source 1 after passing through the beverage. The data processor 3 analyzes and processes the spectral data collected by the quantum dot spectral sensor 2, generating component identification and concentration detection results. This equipment has low material costs, a simple operation process, and requires no professional technicians for maintenance and operation, making it widely applicable. Furthermore, this equipment can complete the quality testing of the beverage in a short time, significantly reducing the time required by traditional testing methods, improving work efficiency, and is suitable for production line and on-site testing.

[0037] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the beverage to be tested is placed in the detection area via its packaging bottle 7. For beverages with packaging bottles, the beverage to be tested can be directly placed in the detection area via the packaging bottle. The detection area is hollow, and the beverage quality testing equipment can be fitted onto the packaging bottle 7 through the hollow structure of the detection area. In this embodiment, spectral technology is used for non-destructive testing, without the need for sampling or damaging the beverage packaging, ensuring the integrity of the sample. This is suitable for quality monitoring of high-value beverages (such as alcoholic beverages). Furthermore, based on the high sensitivity of the quantum dot spectral sensor 2, the equipment can accurately identify trace components and subtle differences in the beverage, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the test results. In this process, to improve accuracy, the empty bottle can be tested first, followed by the sample, and the spectral data from the empty bottle measurement can be used as a reference value.

[0038] In one embodiment, the beverage quality testing equipment further includes a sample chamber 4, which is located within the testing area and is suitable for holding the beverage to be tested. A quantum dot spectrometer 2 is used to receive the spectral information of the light emitted by the light source 1 after passing through the beverage in the sample chamber 4. For unpackaged beverages, they can be placed inside the sample chamber 4 during testing. The sample chamber 4 is located within the testing area, and during testing, the light emitted by the light source 1 strikes the beverage inside the sample chamber 4. The quantum dot spectrometer 2 is used to receive the spectral information of the light emitted by the light source 1 after passing through the beverage in the sample chamber 4.

[0039] In one embodiment, the sample chamber 4 can also be used solely to hold the beverage to be tested in its packaged bottle. In this case, the sample chamber 4 is used to fix the bottle of the beverage to be tested. In this embodiment, the size of the sample chamber 4 is adjustable to accommodate bottles of different sizes or shapes. For example, the sample chamber 4 may contain several pistons and cylinders connected to the pistons, and the position of the pistons may be adjusted to accommodate bottles of different shapes or sizes. Alternatively, the sample chamber 4 may contain several elastic elements, and the elastic deformation of these elements may be used to accommodate bottles of different shapes or sizes. The specific shape of the sample chamber 4 is not limited. In one embodiment, the sample chamber 4 has two light-transmitting areas. Light emitted from the light source 1 enters the sample chamber 4 through one light-transmitting area, and the quantum dot spectral sensor 2 receives spectral information through the other light-transmitting area. The two light-transmitting areas may be arranged opposite each other or at a set angle. It is understood that the light-transmitting areas are only designed to allow light to enter and exit the sample chamber 4, so any light-transmitting area that can achieve this effect is acceptable. Optionally, the light-transmitting areas may be formed of a light-transmitting material.

[0040] In one embodiment, the light source 1, the quantum dot spectral sensor 2, and the data processor 3 are all disposed in the sample chamber 4, and located on the outside of the sample chamber; the light-emitting side of the light source 1 and the receiving side of the quantum dot spectral sensor 2 are both oriented towards the corresponding light-transmitting area. This embodiment integrates the light source 1, the quantum dot spectral sensor 2, and the data processor 3 into the sample chamber 4, improving the portability and ease of use of the device, making it suitable for widespread application in manufacturing enterprises, quality inspection institutions, and consumers. The light-emitting side of the light source 1 and the receiving side of the quantum dot spectral sensor 2 are both oriented towards the corresponding light-transmitting area, so that the light emitted from the light source 1 enters and exits the sample chamber 4 through the light-transmitting area and is then received by the quantum dot spectral sensor 2.

[0041] In one embodiment, the spectral information includes at least one of reflectance, absorption, and transmission. The specific selection can be made according to the detection requirements of the beverage to be tested.

[0042] In one embodiment, the light emitted by the light source 1 is split into detection light and reference light. Specifically, the specific structure for splitting the light emitted by the light source 1 into detection light and reference light can be implemented using optical elements, such as a beam splitter. Part of the light is transmitted, and part of the light is reflected, forming two light paths. These two paths are then reflected by a mirror and directed onto the detection area. The detection area can then be divided into two parallel zones. The beverage to be tested is placed in the first zone, and an empty bottle of the beverage to be tested or an object with the same packaging material as the beverage to be tested is placed in the second zone. Thus, the reference light passes through the second zone, and the detection light passes through the first zone. In an optional embodiment, the receiving end of the quantum dot spectral sensor has two spaced receiving zones. One receiving zone is used to receive the reference light after passing through the second zone, and the other receiving zone is used to receive the detection light after passing through the first zone. This allows the quantum dot spectral sensor 2 to receive spectral information after passing through the beverage to be tested and spectral information without passing through the beverage to be tested in separate zones. In another optional embodiment, a switching base is also included between the light source and the detection area. The switching base has a switching base detection light path channel and a switching base reference light path channel. The incident light entering the detection optical path channel of the switching holder is called the detection light, and the incident light entering the reference optical path channel of the switching holder is called the reference light. The detection light passes through the beverage to be tested, while the reference light does not. Simultaneously, the switching holder can selectively block either the detection optical path channel or the reference optical path channel, allowing the quantum dot spectral sensor 2 to receive spectral information after passing through the beverage to be tested and spectral information without passing through the beverage to be tested, in a time-division manner. The switching method of the switching holder can be either rotational or movable switching of the blocking plate; the specific structure is not limited, as long as it can achieve blocking and opening.

[0043] In one embodiment, the light source 1 includes multiple sub-light sources with different wavelengths. By switching between these sub-light sources, light of different wavelengths can be emitted. Alternatively, the light source 1 includes a light-emitting element and a quantum dot filter located in front of the light-emitting element. The quantum dot filter includes multiple quantum dot regions, each with different optical properties, which can also achieve the emission of light of different wavelengths. In this embodiment, the light source 1 also includes a housing and a switching unit installed within the housing. The light-emitting element is fixed relative to the housing, and the quantum dot filter is disposed in the switching unit. The switching unit is used to switch the location of different quantum dot regions in the light emission direction of the light-emitting element. Specifically, the switching unit can be rotatably connected to the housing, and the quantum dot filter rotates synchronously with the switching unit. By rotating the switching unit and the quantum dot filter, the position of the quantum dot filter relative to the light source 1 is changed, thereby achieving the emission of light of different wavelengths.

[0044] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the beverage quality testing equipment also includes a terminal unit, which includes a display unit 5 or a remote connector 6. The display unit 5 is signal-connected to the data processor 3 and is configured to display the analysis results of the data processing module. The remote connector 6 is signal-connected to the data processor 3 and is adapted to connect to an external mobile device and send the analysis results of the data processing module to the external mobile device. The terminal unit displays the test results and related information to the user. Through its built-in display unit 5 or by connecting to a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or computer) via the remote connector 6, it provides clear quality assessment reports and real-time test data. Of course, the display unit 5 and the remote connector 6 can be configured together.

[0045] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beverage quality testing device, characterized in that, include: The light source (1) is configured to emit light of different wavelengths; A quantum dot spectral sensor (2) is formed between the light source (1) and the quantum dot spectral sensor (2) to accommodate the beverage to be tested. The quantum dot spectral sensor (2) is used to receive the spectral information of the light emitted by the light source (1) after passing through the beverage to be tested. The quantum dot spectral sensor (2) includes a quantum dot filter and a detector. The quantum dot filter is located between the receiving side of the light source (1) and the detector. The data processor (3) is connected to the quantum dot spectral sensor (2) and is used to analyze and process the spectral data collected by the quantum dot spectral sensor (2).

2. The beverage quality testing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beverage to be tested is placed in the testing area via its packaging bottle; or... The beverage quality testing equipment also includes a sample chamber (4), which is located in the testing area and is suitable for placing the beverage to be tested inside the sample chamber (4); the quantum dot spectral sensor (2) is used to receive the spectral information of the light emitted by the light source (1) after passing through the beverage to be tested inside the sample chamber (4).

3. The beverage quality testing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The size of the sample chamber (4) is adjustable.

4. The beverage quality testing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sample chamber (4) is provided with two light-transmitting areas. The light emitted by the light source (1) enters the sample chamber (4) through one light-transmitting area, and the quantum dot spectral sensor (2) receives the spectral information through the other light-transmitting area.

5. The beverage quality testing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The light source (1), the quantum dot spectral sensor (2), and the data processor (3) are all disposed in the sample chamber (4) and located outside the sample chamber (4); the light-emitting side of the light source (1) and the receiving side of the quantum dot spectral sensor (2) are both arranged facing the corresponding light-transmitting area.

6. The beverage quality testing equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The spectral information includes at least one of reflection, absorption, and transmission; and / or, the light emitted by the light source (1) is divided into detection light and reference light, wherein the detection light passes through the beverage to be tested, and the reference light does not pass through the beverage to be tested, and the quantum dot spectral sensor (2) receives the spectral information after passing through the beverage to be tested and the spectral information without passing through the beverage to be tested in a time-sharing or zone-sharing manner.

7. The beverage quality testing equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The light source (1) includes multiple sub-light sources (1) of different wavelengths; or, The light source (1) includes a light-emitting element and a quantum dot filter located in front of the light-emitting element. The quantum dot filter includes multiple quantum dot regions, each of which has different optical properties.

8. The beverage quality testing equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It also includes a terminal device, which includes a display device (5) and / or a remote connector (6), the display device (5) being signal-connected to the data processor (3) and configured to display the analysis results of the data processing module; the remote connector (6) being signal-connected to the data processor (3) and adapted to be signal-connected to an external mobile device and to send the analysis results of the data processing module to the external mobile device.

9. The beverage quality testing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The data processor (3) is configured to compare and analyze the spectral data collected by the quantum dot spectral sensor (2) with a preset spectral database within the data processor (3).

10. The beverage quality testing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The light emitted by the light source (1) has a wavelength range of 400nm-2500nm; and / or, the light source (1) further includes: a housing, the light-emitting element fixed relative to the housing, a switching part installed in the housing, the quantum dot filter disposed in the switching part, and the switching part being used to switch different quantum dot regions located in the light-emitting direction of the light-emitting element.

Images