Gel-Time Detection Apparatus Torque and Image Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the gel time of prepregs in copper clad laminate processes are subjective and prone to operator influence, leading to significant deviations due to manual handling and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A gel-time detection apparatus comprising a carrier for heating, a stirring device with a torque meter, and an image-capturing device, controlled by a controller to objectively determine gel time based on torque and image analysis, reducing operator influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is used to determine gel time, then the process is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability are low due to operator subjective influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated detection system using a camera to capture images and a torque sensor to measure stirring resistance. The controller processes these signals to automatically determine gel time, substituting human subjective judgment with objective mechanical and optical measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate measurement devices (camera and torque sensor) that indirectly measure the gel state through image analysis and torque detection. These intermediaries convert the physical changes during gelation into measurable signals that the controller can process to determine gel time objectively.
2Reliability
If manual stirring and visual inspection are used, then the operation process is simple, but the consistency and reliability of results are poor due to varying operator techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The detection apparatus performs self-measurement and self-judgment functions. The torque sensor automatically detects the stirring resistance changes, the camera captures the powder state, and the controller automatically processes these signals to determine gel time without requiring operator skill or judgment, making the system self-sufficient and consistent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors torque and image data during the heating and stirring process, providing real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically detect the gelation point based on objective criteria rather than relying on operator interpretation, ensuring consistent and reliable results.
3Productivity
If a small sample size (0.2 grams) is used for testing, then the testing speed is fast and time-consuming is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to large sample proportion error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture to create a visual copy of the powder sample state. The camera records the appearance, color, and texture changes of the powder during gelation, providing a permanent record that can be analyzed objectively. This copying method allows for accurate measurement of small samples without losing representativeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors multiple parameters simultaneously (torque, image color, image texture) rather than relying on a single measurement. By tracking changes in these parameters over time, the system can accurately determine gel time even with small sample sizes, as the multi-parameter approach compensates for the limited sample quantity.
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
The apparatus provides a reliable and consistent gel time determination by objectively measuring torque and image changes, minimizing operator-induced errors and environmental impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a carrier for carrying powder to be detected and heating the powder to be liquefied into liquefied powder
Implementation Method 2
The torque meter senses a torque of the stirring rod stirring the liquefied powder
Data Source
AI summary
A gel-time detection apparatus includes a carrier, a stirring device, and an image-capturing device. The gel-time detection apparatus uses the carrier to liquefied powder to be detected, uses the stirring device to stir the liquefied powder and sense the torque of stirring the liquefied powder, and uses the image-capturing device to capture images of the liquefied powder, so as to determine a gel time according to a determination criterion relevant to the torque and the images. A gel-time detection method includes liquefying powder to be detected, stirring the powder, sensing the torque of stirring the liquefied powder, capturing images of the liquefied powder, and then determining a gel time according to a determination criterion relevant to the torque and the images. The determination criterion may include a torque predetermined threshold and an area-shrinkage-rate predetermined threshold.