Holder-Based Colorimetry Device for Repeatable Same-Location Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing colorimeters lack a mechanism to accurately position the specimen relative to the colorimetric unit, leading to inconsistent measurements at different locations, especially when measuring color changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A colorimetric device with a main body part, light source unit, and detection unit that allows for precise positioning of the specimen relative to these components, using a holder and slot system to ensure consistent measurement locations, and incorporates a light scattering plate for uniform light distribution and external light shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a colorimeter measures color through a button operation without a positioning mechanism, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the measurement target location varies between measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary component that positions the specimen at a predetermined location. The holder includes positioning protrusions that fit into positioning grooves on the main body, ensuring the specimen is always positioned at the same location relative to the colorimetric unit. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing repeatable positioning without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen is pre-positioned on the holder before measurement, with the holder's positioning protrusions already configured to fit into specific positioning grooves. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the specimen is placed on the main body, it automatically achieves the correct position relative to the colorimetric unit, eliminating the need for complex real-time positioning control during measurement.
2Measurement precision
If external light is not shielded, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to external light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful external light from the measurement system by introducing a light-shielding structure. The main body includes a light-shielding wall that blocks external light from reaching the specimen and colorimetric unit. This extraction of the harmful factor (external light) resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision without requiring complex active light control systems.
3Measurement precision
If the light source emits direct light without scattering, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to non-uniform light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light scattering plate as an intermediary between the light source and the specimen. The scattering plate diffuses the direct light from the LED into uniform scattered light, ensuring even illumination across the specimen surface. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by improving light uniformity and measurement precision without requiring complex multi-source lighting systems.
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 accurate, repeatable color measurements at the same location, reduces external light interference, and allows detection of color changes and discoloration progression, suitable for applications like resin color unevenness and metal plating analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the light source unit includes one or more light-emitting elements and a light scattering plate that scatters light emitted by the one or more light-emitting elements
Implementation Method 2
the detection unit becomes capable of receiving reflected light from the specimen and detects a color of the specimen by receiving the reflected light
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a colorimetric device capable of appropriately measuring a color of the same location when measuring a color of a specimen a plurality of times. [Solution]A colorimetric device includes a main body part, a light source unit, and a detection unit. The main body part is configured for mounting of a specimen. The light source unit becomes capable of emitting light to the specimen when the specimen is mounted on the main body part. The detection unit becomes capable of receiving reflected light from the specimen and detects a color of the specimen by receiving the reflected light when the specimen is mounted on the main body part. When the specimen is mounted on the main body part, a relative position of the specimen with respect to the main body part, the light source unit, and the detection unit is configured to be positioned at the same relative position.