Gemstone Inspection Apparatus with Rotating UV Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jewelry inspection tools are bulky, costly, and difficult to use for accurately distinguishing synthetic diamonds from natural diamonds due to their small physical differences, requiring multiple test methods and different light sources, which are hard to integrate into a single device.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a multiple excitation light source system and a rotating stage that allows for multiple inspection methods, including transmittance and fluorescence imaging, using short-wave and long-wave UV light sources, and visible light, controlled by a microprocessor for automated light switching and intensity optimization, enabling comprehensive inspection of gemstones without the need for multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inspection methods are integrated into a single device, then inspection comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple inspection methods (transmittance imaging, fluorescence imaging, phosphorescence imaging) into a single apparatus by using a multiple excitation light source system with different wavelength light sources (short-wave UV, long-wave UV, visible light) that can be switched to perform various inspection functions, making the device universal and multi-functional
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple inspection methods and light sources into one integrated apparatus, merging the functions of separate inspection devices into a single unified system that can perform transmittance, fluorescence, and phosphorescence imaging through coordinated light sources and rotating stage
2Measurement precision
If different light sources are used for different inspection methods, then inspection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating stage that dynamically switches between different positions to expose different light sources to the gemstone sample, allowing the system to adaptively select appropriate light sources (short-wave UV, long-wave UV, visible light) for different inspection methods while maintaining ease of operation through automated rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating stage performs periodic rotation to sequentially position different light sources in the optical path, creating a rhythmic switching between inspection methods that simplifies operation by automating the selection process while maintaining high inspection accuracy through appropriate light source selection
3Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are made movable for dynamic inspection, then inspection comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light source selection dynamic through a rotating stage that can be rotated to different angular positions, allowing different light sources to be selectively positioned in the optical path based on the inspection method required, thereby achieving comprehensive inspection capability
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 comprehensive and accurate inspection of natural, synthetic, and fake diamonds in a compact, portable format, reducing false results and enabling on-the-go inspections with automated processes, connecting to mobile devices for immediate analysis and results.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source adapted to emit a light for conducting transmittance imaging of the gemstone
Implementation Method 2
a third light source adapted to emit a light for conducting fluorescence or phosphorescence imaging
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an apparatus for visually inspecting gemstones. The apparatus contains a first light source, a sample stage adapted to receive a gemstone thereon, and a rotating stage located below the sample stage. The rotating stage is adapted to rotate relative to the sample stage. Embodiments of the invention therefore provide a portable and automatic gemstone inspecting apparatus that provides multiple inspection methods centrally without the need to use other external devices.