Flexible Container Gas Concentration Measurement via Optical Path Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the concentration of gases in containers with flexible or variable walls, such as those used in modified atmosphere packaging, face challenges due to unpredictable optical path lengths, which are essential for accurate gas absorption spectroscopy measurements.

Innovation Solution

The method involves modifying the shape of the container to create a determinable optical path length by using movable temporary attachment points or mechanical fixtures to establish a fixed distance between the light source and detector heads, allowing for accurate gas concentration measurements through calibration routines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional optical absorption spectroscopy is used with containers having flexible or variable walls, then the ability to measure gases in real-world packaging is improved, but the optical path length becomes unpredictable and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to measure gases in real-world packagingVSAvoidoptical path length determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary calibration gas with known concentration and optical properties to mediate between the flexible container and the measurement system. By measuring the absorption of this calibration gas, the system can determine the actual optical path length created by the flexible container geometry, thereby enabling accurate subsequent measurements of unknown gas concentrations despite the variable path length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter being measured from the absolute optical path length to a relative calibration factor. Instead of directly measuring the unpredictable path length in flexible containers, the system measures the absorption signal of a calibration gas and uses this signal as a reference to determine unknown gas concentrations, effectively transforming the measurement parameter to one that is independent of container geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If special purpose containers with optical grade transparent walls and known distance between walls are used, then optical path length is well defined and measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to real-world packaging applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical path length determinationVSAvoidapplicability to non-spectroscopic containers

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measurement approach that works with both traditional spectroscopic containers and real-world packaging containers. The calibration method using known concentration gases can be applied to any container type with optically transparent or translucent walls, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to diverse applications from laboratory analysis to industrial quality control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible or soft materials are used for packaging containers, then adaptability to various packaging applications is improved, but the optical path length becomes variable and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging flexibilityVSAvoidgas concentration measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration by introducing a gas of known concentration into the flexible container and measuring its absorption signal before measuring the unknown gas. This preliminary action establishes a reference that accounts for the specific optical path length created by the flexible container's geometry, thereby enabling accurate subsequent measurements despite the variable path length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

This approach enables precise determination of gas concentrations in containers with flexible or variable walls, improving measurement accuracy and repeatability, even in containers not designed for spectroscopic analysis, by establishing a consistent optical path length.

Implementation Method 1

Optical absorption spectroscopy is an established method to measure gaseous species inside containers, in a non-invasive and non-destructive manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS10928314B2System and method for determining a concentration of a gas in a container

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 GASPOROX

AI summary

A system and method for measuring a concentration of a gas in a container having at least one flexible or variable side or wall. The system and method comprising creating a determinable optical path length through the container having a shape. Positioning a light source head and a detector head against at least one of the least one flexible or variable side or wall. Transmitting a light signal between the light source head and the detector head through the determinable optical path length. Determining the concentration of the gas in the container based on detected light and the determinable optical path length.