Capacitive Sensor Composite Composition Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the plastic and cellulose content in composites require destruction of the material and complex, costly equipment, limiting the ability to perform non-destructive, real-time analysis of composite composition.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive test system using displacement-type capacitive sensors, including a ground plate, amplifier, and processor, to measure the dielectric response of composites, calculating equivalent thickness or weight of plastic or cellulose content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-destructive testing is implemented, then material integrity is preserved and real-time analysis is enabled, but measurement precision and detection capability are insufficient with current methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from physical/chemical analysis (which requires destruction) to dielectric constant measurement (which is non-destructive). By measuring the dielectric response of the composite material at different frequencies and calculating the plastic or cellulose content based on dielectric properties, the system achieves both non-destructive testing and adequate measurement precision for quality control applications.
2Ease of operation
If simple and inexpensive equipment is used, then ease of operation and accessibility improve, but measurement capability and detection accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical analysis systems with an electrical field-based capacitive measurement system. The dielectric sensor uses electrical fields to measure the dielectric constant of the material, which correlates to plastic or cellulose content. This substitution simplifies the equipment while maintaining adequate measurement capability for quality control.
3Productivity
If real-time analysis is implemented, then productivity and quality control efficiency improve, but measurement accuracy and compositional detail may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by measuring the dielectric constants of pure plastic and pure cellulose materials before actual testing. During real-time quality control, the system compares the measured dielectric response of the composite material against these pre-established reference values to calculate the plastic or cellulose content. This preliminary action enables real-time analysis while maintaining adequate measurement precision for production line quality control.
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 real-time, non-destructive assessment of plastic and cellulose content in composites, facilitating quality control by providing pass/fail assessments without damaging the material.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the dielectric response... calculating or computing the amount of plastic or cellulose in the sample
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a system is disclosed. The system provides a non-destructive and non-contact test to quantify the cellulose and/or plastic content in a given composite material board sample by the use of capacitive sensors. The system includes a ground plate and a capacitive sensor probe system with programmed instructions to calibrate to a predetermined dielectric, determine, in a composite board placed in between the capacitive sensor and the ground plate, an equivalent thickness of material emitting the predetermined dielectric, and convert the equivalent thickness into a weight percentage of the material in the board.