Fluorescent Agent Resin Deterioration Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating resin deterioration are inefficient, requiring time and cost to measure molecular weight and strength, and are limited by the type of resin and functional groups, leading to ineffective recycling systems.

Innovation Solution

A resin deterioration evaluation test method using a fluorescent agent applied to the surface of resin components, which emits fluorescence upon UV irradiation, allowing for easy determination of deterioration by measuring fluorescence intensity and classifying resin components for recycling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If molecular weight and strength measurement methods are used to evaluate resin deterioration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterioration evaluation accuracyVSAvoidevaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical measurement systems (molecular weight measurement, strength testing) with a simple optical detection system. A fluorescent agent is applied to the resin surface, and upon UV irradiation, the agent emits fluorescence whose intensity correlates with the resin's deterioration state. This optical method provides rapid evaluation without the time-consuming procedures of traditional mechanical measurement techniques.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fluorescent agent as an intermediary substance that mediates between the resin's chemical state and the detection system. The fluorescent agent's luminescence properties change in response to the resin's deterioration, providing an indirect but rapid indication of the resin's condition. This intermediary enables fast evaluation without directly measuring molecular weight or strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If luminescent material is kneaded into resin in advance, then deterioration detection capability is improved, but adaptability to different resin types deteriorates and luminescence intensity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterioration detection capabilityVSAvoidresin type applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fluorescent agent is applied to the resin surface in advance of the deterioration process, establishing a detection system that is already in place when the resin is collected for recycling evaluation. This preliminary application ensures the agent is positioned to detect deterioration as it occurs, without requiring modification of the resin's internal structure or composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fluorescent agent serves as an intermediary that can be universally applied to different resin types without requiring the resin itself to have specific chemical properties. The agent's luminescence response to UV irradiation provides a universal detection mechanism that works across various resin compositions, enhancing adaptability while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If labeling reagent is used to react with functional groups, then deterioration degree can be determined, but the method is limited by functional group type and luminescence amount remains small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterioration degree determinationVSAvoidluminescence amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fluorescent agent acts as an intermediary that amplifies the detection signal. Instead of relying on the small amount of functional groups generated during deterioration to produce luminescence, the fluorescent agent is applied in sufficient quantity to provide a strong, detectable fluorescence signal that correlates with the extent of deterioration, thereby increasing the luminescence amount while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 quick and accurate assessment of resin deterioration, preventing the use of severely degraded materials and improving the quality of recycled resin by removing foreign matter and adding metal stabilizers, thus enhancing recycling efficiency and product strength.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating a resin component with ultraviolet rays and measuring a fluorescence amount emitted by a fluorescent agent in response to the irradiating, the fluorescent agent being on a surface of the resin component and emitting fluorescence in response to ultraviolet irradiation in itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3725832B1Resin deterioration evaluation test method and use of the method
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP3725832B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3725832B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3725832B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A resin deterioration evaluation test method using a fluorescent agent, includes irradiating a resin component with ultraviolet rays and measuring a fluorescence amount emitted by a fluorescent agent in response to the irradiating (STEP S2). The fluorescent agent is on a surface of the resin component and emitting fluorescence in resnponse to ultraviolet irradiation in its. The resin deterioration evaluation test method using a fluorescent agent further includes evaluating a deterioration degree of the resin component based on the fluorescence amount (STEP S3).