In-Line Fluid Tint Measurement for Paint Color Change Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current paint distribution systems face inefficiencies in monitoring and adjusting the composition ratio of paint before spraying, leading to waste and increased costs during color change operations, as they rely on visual checks or time-based methods which are not optimized.
Innovation Solution
A tint measuring device is connected in series with the fluid flow circuit, comprising a light source emitting polychromatic light, a light sensor to receive reflected or transmitted light signals, and a computing unit for spectral analysis to determine the chromatic signature of the fluid, allowing for precise identification of the fluid's tint and improved control over color change operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If visual checks or time-based methods are used to monitor color change operations, then the system is simple to operate, but the productivity is reduced and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical measurement system. A light source emits light through the fluid in a flow circuit, and a sensor detects the transmitted light intensity. A processor calculates absorbance values and compares them against reference values to automatically detect color changes, eliminating the need for manual visual checks and enabling precise control of color change operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring the optical properties of the fluid in real-time as it flows through the circuit. The processor continuously compares measured absorbance values with reference values and provides signals when color change thresholds are reached, enabling automated control and optimization of color change operations to minimize waste.
2Measurement precision
If manual visual checks are performed to identify fluid tint, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with an objective optical measurement system. The system uses a light source and sensor to measure the absorbance of light by the fluid, providing quantitative and repeatable measurements of fluid tint and composition ratio, eliminating variability associated with manual visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of a light source, flow circuit, and sensor. This intermediary measures the interaction between light and fluid to provide indirect but precise information about fluid composition and tint, enabling accurate measurement without direct contact with the fluid.
3Loss of time
If predefined time delays are used for color change operations, then the control system is simple, but the loss of time occurs due to non-optimized duration
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from optical measurements to determine when color change operations are complete. The processor continuously monitors absorbance values and automatically detects when the fluid reaches the desired color state, eliminating the need for arbitrary time delays and optimizing operation duration based on actual fluid properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-stored reference absorbance values corresponding to known fluid compositions and colors. These reference values are established beforehand and used by the processor to quickly compare against real-time measurements, enabling rapid determination of color change completion without requiring complex real-time analysis.
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 solution enables rapid and reliable identification of the fluid's tint, reducing waste and costs by optimizing color change operations, and ensuring more accurate measurements within the fluid flow circuit, while also simplifying the design and reducing the impact of ATEX regulations and mechanical vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The light sensor is configured to receive a light signal reflected on the fluid or transmitted through the fluid, the reflected or transmitted light signal corresponding to the optical reflection or, respectively, the optical transmission, by the fluid, of the polychromatic light emitted towards the fluid
Data Source
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Figure 5B~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hue measurement device (10) configured to be connected in series in a fluid flow circuit (120), comprising at least one light source (1) configured to emit polychromatic light towards the fluid in a measurement area (140); a light sensor (2) configured to receive a light signal reflected on the fluid or transmitted through the fluid, the reflected or transmitted light signal corresponding to the reflection or optical transmission, by the fluid, of the polychromatic light emitted towards the fluid by said at least one light source (1); a computing unit (3) configured to perform a spectral analysis of the light signal received by the light sensor (2) and to determine a chromatic signature of the fluid.