Infrared Spectral Analysis for Liquid Composition Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods, such as X-ray examination, cannot accurately determine the contents of containers like bottles, as they only differentiate between organic and inorganic materials without distinguishing between different organic materials, and are insufficient for detecting hazardous substances that can be formed when certain authorized liquids are mixed.

Innovation Solution

A device that uses spectral analysis of infrared waves to measure the absorption by the container and its contents, combined with complex impedance measurement and additional physical data like mass, to identify the nature of the contents, particularly distinguishing between water and highly oxygenated liquids like hydrogen peroxide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If X-ray examination is used to analyze container contents, then the examination method is well-known and can classify materials into organic and inorganic categories, but it cannot distinguish between different organic materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial classification precisionVSAvoiddetection capability complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from X-ray attenuation (which only provides organic/inorganic classification) to infrared absorption spectroscopy, which measures absorption coefficients at specific wavelengths (1100-1300 nm). This parameter change enables differentiation between water and hydrogen peroxide based on their distinct absorption characteristics in the infrared range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If complex impedance measurement is used to detect liquid composition, then it can measure dielectric characteristics, but it cannot reliably distinguish between water and highly oxygenated liquids like hydrogen peroxide

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid composition detection precisionVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces infrared radiation as an intermediary probe that interacts with the liquid molecules. The absorption of infrared radiation at specific wavelengths provides a mediator signal that reveals molecular composition differences between water and hydrogen peroxide, which are not detectable through complex impedance measurement alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If spectral analysis means are arranged to emit waves through the container, then absorption measurement can be performed, but the container material and geometry must be known with precision for accurate detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement condition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent focuses on a specific local property - the absorption coefficient at wavelengths 1100-1300 nm - where the difference between water and hydrogen peroxide is most pronounced. By concentrating measurement on this specific spectral region rather than the entire infrared spectrum, the method achieves high discrimination power while reducing sensitivity to variations in container material and geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach enhances the reliability of detecting potentially dangerous substances by accurately distinguishing between different liquids, even when mixed, and provides non-destructive, precise analysis of container contents.

Implementation Method 1

spectral analysis means capable of emitting waves whose wavelengths are included in the infrared range and in measuring the absorption of these waves by the container and its contents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

means capable of measuring the complex impedance of the transmitter/receiver means influenced by the charge formed by the container and its contents, representative of the complex dielectric characteristics of the container and its contents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP2071319B1Device for analysing the composition of the contents of a container by measuring its absorption
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 MANNESCHI ALESSANDRO
  • EP2071319B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2071319B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2071319B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The device has spectral analysis units for analyzing content of a container (R) to measure absorption of waves by the container and content, where the spectral analysis units have an emitter (6) for emitting waves and a receiver (7) for receiving the waves emitted by the emitter. Analysis units (50) provide information relating to nature of content of the container according to the absorption measurement.