Dielectric Resonator for Contactless Sample Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the complex dielectric constant of a sample are limited to samples with known dimensions and require physical contact, which is hazardous for unknown or hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use a resonator to identify a sample in a container by measuring the change in resonance frequency without physical contact, allowing for contactless identification of fluids and solids based on their dielectric properties, even in arbitrary containers, by analyzing the shift in resonance frequency and quality factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a resonator is used to measure dielectric properties, then measurement capability is improved, but the method is limited to samples with known dimensions and geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact methods (physical probes, electrodes) with an electromagnetic field-based resonator system. The resonator measures dielectric properties through electromagnetic coupling with the sample, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and enabling measurement of samples with arbitrary geometries and in closed containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator acts as an intermediary between the measurement system and the sample. Instead of directly contacting the sample, the resonator couples electromagnetically with it, allowing indirect measurement of dielectric properties. This intermediary approach enables measurement of samples in closed containers and with unknown geometries.
2Measurement precision
If physical contact with the sample is made for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but safety risk increases for hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement methods with an electromagnetic field-based resonator system. The resonator measures sample properties through electromagnetic coupling without physical contact, eliminating safety risks associated with handling hazardous materials while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator serves as an intermediary that enables measurement without direct contact with the sample. By coupling electromagnetically with the sample through its container, the resonator allows identification of hazardous materials without exposing operators or sensors to direct contact risks.
3Measurement precision
If traditional dielectric measurement methods are used, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex traditional dielectric measurement systems with a simplified resonator-based system. The resonator's natural oscillation frequency and quality factor provide direct information about sample dielectric properties, eliminating the need for complex calibration procedures and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses changes in the resonator's oscillation parameters (frequency and quality factor) as the sample dielectric properties change. This parameter-based measurement approach simplifies the measurement process compared to traditional methods, as the resonator's natural response directly reflects sample properties without requiring complex calibration curves.
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 rapid, reliable, and non-invasive identification of samples, minimizing risk when handling hazardous materials, and differentiating between ingestible and non-ingestible fluids, suitable for various container shapes and sizes without precise distance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
determining the resonance frequency and the quality of a dielectric resonator to which the container is arranged
Implementation Method 2
measuring the complex dielectric constant of a material by evaluating the degree of detuning of an RF resonator
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for identifying a sample in a container, provide for the container with the sample being disposed relative to a resonator, a high-frequency signal being coupled into the resonator for exciting a resonant mode of the resonator, the resonant electric field of the resonator penetrating part of the sample in the container, the resonance curve of at least one resonant mode being measured with and without the sample, and the sample being identified based on the determined change in the resonance frequency compared to a measurement without sample.