High-Frequency Filter for Mass and Moisture Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the mass and moisture content of objects, such as tablets, in high-speed industrial production face challenges including mechanical weighing's inefficiency and capacitive measurement's sensitivity to humidity fluctuations, leading to inaccuracies and potential blockages in the production line.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a high-frequency filter with a signal generation and evaluation unit to determine the transmission characteristic of objects by interacting with their electromagnetic stray field, allowing for precise measurement of mass and moisture content without disrupting the production flow, using a broadband input signal and digital signal processing for high accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical weighing systems are used to determine mass, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement speed decreases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical weighing systems with a capacitive measurement system that uses electrical fields to determine mass. The measurement device creates a capacitive sensor field that interacts with the tablet without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for mechanical weighing mechanisms while enabling high-speed measurement at production line speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitive sensor as an intermediary between the measurement system and the tablet. The sensor measures changes in capacitance caused by the tablet's presence and properties, indirectly determining mass without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary approach enables non-contact, high-speed measurement.
2Productivity
If capacitive measurement techniques are used to increase measurement speed, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensitivity to moisture content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using a frequency-dependent capacitive measurement approach. Instead of measuring capacitance at a single frequency, the system measures capacitance across multiple frequencies and uses the frequency response characteristics to distinguish between mass effects and moisture effects, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining high speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies excessive measurement action by taking multiple measurements at different frequencies and positions. Rather than a single capacitive measurement, the system performs multiple measurements across a frequency spectrum and uses signal processing to extract accurate mass information, compensating for moisture interference through redundant measurements.
3Productivity
If capacitive measurement with high-speed transport through measuring gap is used, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to blockages and transport disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transport through a measuring gap with a field-based measurement approach. The capacitive sensor creates an electrical field that extends into the transport path, allowing measurement without physical obstacles. This eliminates the measuring gap that could cause blockages while maintaining high measurement speed.
4Productivity
If mechanical weighing systems with parallel weighing units are used, then measurement speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement device where a single capacitive sensor system can measure multiple properties (mass, moisture content, density) of different objects. Instead of requiring separate specialized weighing units for each measurement task, the capacitive system performs multiple functions through software processing of the electrical field measurements, reducing overall system complexity.
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 high-speed, precise measurement of mass and moisture content with minimal influence on the production process, reducing errors and increasing efficiency by using a contact-based method that is less prone to blockages and requires no complex mechanical positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a region, e.g., a surface, for interaction between an electromagnetic stray field of the high-frequency filter and the object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments relate to a method and a device for determining a characteristic quantity of an object (102), comprising: a signal generation unit (110) configured to generate an input signal (113; 117); a high-frequency filter (120) with an input for the input signal (113; 117), an output for an output signal (121; 137), and with a surface (122) for an interaction between an electromagnetic stray field of the high-frequency filter (120) and the object (102); and a signal evaluation unit (130) configured to determine a transfer characteristic of the high-frequency filter as a measure of the characteristic quantity of the object (102) from the input signal (113; 117) and the output signal (121; 137) of the high-frequency filter.