Handheld Gemstone Tester with UV Fluorescence and Thermal Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gemstone testers are cumbersome, require user expertise, and suffer from sensitivity issues and heat interference, making it difficult to accurately distinguish between natural diamonds, synthetic moissanite, and HPHT/CVD diamonds, and cannot measure fluorescence effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional precious stone testing apparatus with a LED light unit that illuminates without heating the conductive probe, a UV light source for fluorescence measurement, and independent operation of the conductive probe and UV light source, allowing for accurate classification of gemstones and detection of different diamond types using a portable, user-friendly design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an illumination unit is positioned close to the testing probe to provide illumination, then the illumination intensity at the probe tip is improved, but heat is transmitted to the probe affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A light transmissible frame is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED light unit and the testing probe. This frame allows optical energy to pass through while blocking thermal energy transmission, thereby providing illumination to the probe tip without transmitting heat that would affect conductivity measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is segmented from the probe assembly by positioning the LED light unit separately and using the light transmissible frame as a selective transmission barrier. This segmentation allows independent optimization of illumination and measurement functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional gemstone tester is used to determine conductivity, then the testing function is provided, but the device can only test particular gemstones requiring multiple testers for different types
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus is designed with multiple functional units (thermal conductivity probe, electrical conductivity probe, and UV fluorescence detection) integrated into a single device, enabling it to test various types of gemstones including diamonds, moissanite, and other stones with different properties
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple testing functions (thermal conductivity testing, electrical conductivity testing, and fluorescence measurement) are merged into one integrated apparatus, eliminating the need for separate testers for different gemstone types
3Measurement precision
If the gemstone tester parameters are adjusted during operation to achieve accurate testing, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring user expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus automatically performs parameter adjustments and testing sequences without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates testing conditions based on the gemstone being tested, eliminating the need for users to have expertise in adjusting parameters
4Ease of operation
If a portable hand-held design is used, then the ease of operation and portability are improved, but the device complexity for integrating multiple functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe casing is nested within the hand-held casing, and the light transmissible frame is positioned between them to provide structural support while enabling compact integration of multiple testing functions in a portable form factor
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 accurate classification of gemstones, including diamonds, moissanite, and metals, while preventing heat interference and enabling easy operation, allowing for precise identification of natural and synthetic diamonds using thermal and electrical conductivity measurements and fluorescence analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a LED light unit for providing an illumination at the conductive probe when the conductive probe contacts with the testing object without substantially transmitting heat from the LED light unit to the conductive probe
Implementation Method 2
a UV light source for generating a UV light beam toward the testing object to measure the fluorescence of the testing object
Implementation Method 3
a conductive probe for determining a thermal and electrical conductivity of the testing object
Implementation Method 4
a conductive probe for determining a thermal and electrical conductivity of the testing object
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional precious stone testing apparatus includes a portable housing and a testing unit. The portable housing includes a portable housing having a hand-held casing and a probe casing extended from a front end of the hand-held casing. The testing unit housed in the hand-held casing includes a UV light emission unit, a UV light reflecting and guiding unit, and a UV light receiving unit. The UV light emission unit produces and emits both a long-wave UV light and a short-wave light, so as to allow the UV receiving unit to sense the UV lights reflected and refracted by a testing object for determining various qualities and distinguishing types of diamond of the testing object.