Dynamic UV Fluorescence Detection for Olive Oil Adulteration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting adulteration in olive oil, such as chemical analysis and light-based spectroscopy, are either slow or lack precision in determining oil quality.

Innovation Solution

Illuminating olive oil samples with ultraviolet light at multiple wavelengths over defined time intervals, analyzing the evolving fluorescence spectra to detect adulteration, and using a neural network to evaluate the spectra for precise determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If chemical analysis or chromatography analysis is performed to detect adulteration, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to several hours analysis time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadulteration detection accuracyVSAvoidanalysis speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex chemical analysis and chromatography systems with a simplified optical detection system using UV-Vis spectroscopy. This substitution maintains adequate measurement precision for adulteration detection while dramatically reducing analysis time from several hours to minutes, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from complex chemical composition analysis to optical absorption spectrum analysis. By monitoring spectral parameters at multiple wavelengths and time points, the system achieves sufficient precision for adulteration detection while enabling rapid, high-throughput analysis that improves productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If simple light-based spectroscopy is used to improve analysis speed, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates in determining oil quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis speedVSAvoidquality determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spectral analysis into multiple wavelength points (including 275 nm, 280 nm, 290 nm, and other UV-Vis range wavelengths) and multiple time points during illumination. This segmentation allows the simplified optical system to capture sufficient quality information that would otherwise require complex chromatography, thereby maintaining measurement precision while achieving rapid analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic monitoring by measuring spectral changes at multiple time points during the illumination process. This temporal dimension adds information richness to the optical analysis, enabling precise quality determination despite the simplicity of the optical method, thus resolving the precision-productivity contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If static spectrum measurement is performed to simplify the method, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture degradation dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidadulteration detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic measurement by capturing spectra at multiple discrete time points during the illumination period. This periodic sampling approach maintains relatively simple device operation while capturing the dynamic degradation process, thereby achieving both simplicity and precision in adulteration detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 and accurate detection of olive oil adulteration by capturing dynamic fluorescence changes, leveraging spectral analysis and machine learning for enhanced precision.

Implementation Method 1

the sample is illuminated at least once with an ultraviolet light having a given wavelength for a given time interval, and the spectrum of the light radiated by the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP4641173A1Method to detect if a sample of virgin olive oil or extra virgin olive oil is adulterated
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 UNIV PUBLICA DE NAVARRA PAMPLONA
  • EP4641173A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
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AI summary

Method for detecting if a sample of virgin olive oil VOO or extra virgin olive oil EVOO is adulterated, wherein the sample is illuminated at least once with an ultraviolet light having a given wavelength during a given time interval, and the spectrum of the light radiated by the sample is obtained at a plurality of instants of said time interval. It is determined whether or not the sample is adulterated based on the evaluation of the spectra obtained during said instants. Device for performing the method.