Bulk Material Measuring System with Single Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring systems for small-volume bulk goods are complex and difficult to maintain, often requiring two detectors or a multiplexer, which complicates their design and increases susceptibility to interference.
Innovation Solution
A compact measuring system with a single detector and optical fibers or a mirror system to guide light onto the bulk material, allowing for both transmission and reflection measurements, and featuring a modular design for easy maintenance and precise quality assessment using chemometrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two detectors or a multiplexer are used to measure both transmission and reflection, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmission measurement and reflection measurement capabilities into a single detector by using a beam splitter that directs transmitted light and reflected light to the same detection element. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate detectors or complex multiplexer systems while maintaining full measurement capability for both transmission and reflection modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single detector is designed to perform multiple functions by receiving both transmitted and reflected light signals through the beam splitter arrangement. This universal detector configuration allows the system to measure both transmission and reflection properties of the test specimen using one detection device, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Device complexity
If a multiplexer is used to switch between transmission and reflection measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but susceptibility to interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a multiplexer to switch between different measurement paths, the patent merges both transmission and reflection light paths to converge on a single detector simultaneously. This eliminates the switching mechanism and associated interference susceptibility while maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary optical element that separates and directs different light paths (transmitted and reflected) to the same detector without requiring electronic switching or multiplexing. This optical mediation approach reduces susceptibility to electrical and electronic interference while maintaining measurement versatility.
3Productivity
If light sources are continuously on to enable measurements, then measurement readiness is improved, but heat generation increases causing decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic illumination by controlling the light sources to emit light only during the actual measurement intervals. The light sources are switched off between measurements, which reduces cumulative heat generation on the test specimen while maintaining measurement readiness through rapid on-demand activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses short, intense light pulses during measurement intervals rather than continuous illumination. This approach rushes through the measurement process quickly, minimizing the total energy exposure and heat accumulation on the test specimen while still acquiring the necessary measurement data.
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
The system provides a simple, low-maintenance solution for measuring the quality and active ingredients of small-volume bulk goods, offering precise results with reduced interference and the ability to perform both multi-point and decentralized single-point measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical fiber or a mirror system, comprising at least one mirror, is arranged above the receiving device, with which light can be directed onto the bulk material
Implementation Method 2
The radiation passes through the bulk material and is picked up by a measuring fiber, which is positioned below the receiving device and connected to the detector
Implementation Method 3
The radiation from the at least one light source is directed onto the bulk material via this second optical fiber, where it is reflected by the material and received by the measuring fiber
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring system (1) for small-volume bulk materials, comprising at least one translucent receiving device (2) for receiving at least one small-volume bulk material (3), such as a tablet, a first light source (5) arranged above the receiving device (2), and a detector (9) for transmission and/or reflection. A measuring fiber (8) and an optical fiber (6) are provided below the receiving device (2), wherein the optical fiber (6) at least partially surrounds the measuring fiber (8) and wherein the measuring fiber (8) is connected to the detector (9) and the optical fiber (6) is connected to a second light source (7).