Automated Soiling Detection Apparatus with Transport and Optical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual determination of workpiece soiling in industrial production is time-consuming and imprecise, with a high risk of contamination during the rinsing process, limiting the ability to consistently assess cleanliness across all workpieces.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus with a transporting device that moves dirt particles from a retaining means, such as a filter, to a measuring device for analysis, utilizing a HEPA filter to maintain a clean environment and a digital microscope for precise image processing, allowing for the determination of soiling levels without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual rinsing and weighing of filter membranes is used to determine soiling, then the degree of soiling can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of rinsing, filtering, and weighing with an automated optical measurement system. The measuring device uses optical sensors and image processing to directly quantify dirt particles on the filter membrane, eliminating the need for manual handling and weighing operations, thus significantly reducing examination time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service measurement where the measuring device automatically captures images of the filter membrane and processes the data without human intervention. The automated image analysis system independently determines the degree of soiling by processing images through software algorithms, making the measurement process self-sufficient and eliminating labor-intensive manual steps.
2Measurement precision
If manual rinsing of workpieces is performed, then dirt particles can be removed for analysis, but the workpiece may be contaminated during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the rinsing process itself. Instead of requiring manual handling that risks contamination, the system uses optical sensors to directly detect and measure dirt particles on the filter membrane in situ. This separation of measurement from manual manipulation eliminates the contamination risk while preserving the ability to accurately determine soiling levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter membrane serves as an intermediary that captures dirt particles from the workpiece during rinsing, allowing the actual measurement to be performed on the filter rather than directly on the workpiece. This intermediary approach enables accurate soiling analysis while protecting the workpiece from contamination during the measurement process, as the filter acts as a barrier between the workpiece and the measurement environment.
3Productivity
If random sampling is used to examine workpieces, then some soiling information can be obtained, but comprehensive cleanliness assessment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous automated examination of workpieces through the rinsing and measurement system. The automated measuring device can continuously process filter membranes without interruption, maintaining a continuous flow of measurements. This continuous operation allows for comprehensive assessment of all workpieces rather than random sampling, eliminating information loss while maintaining high productivity through automated high-speed imaging and analysis.
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 reliable, efficient, and precise automated assessment of workpiece soiling, reducing contamination risks and improving the consistency of cleanliness evaluation in industrial production processes.
Implementation Method 1
the apparatus contains a filter, for example a HEPA filter, through which filtered gaseous fluid, for instance air, is fed to the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a suction device for sucking in fluid exposed to dirt particles through the retaining means
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus determines soiling of an object and includes a rinsing zone for rinsing off dirt particles built up on an object with a fluid. A collecting arrangement includes a retaining device for capturing the dirt particles rinsed off from the object and a measuring device measures a physical parameter of the captured dirt particles. A transport system moves the dirt particles captured with the retaining device to the measuring device to permit measuring the physical parameter of the captured dirt particles.