Device for grain analysis by fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectroscopic devices for analyzing grain samples require separate measurements using fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy, leading to increased time, space, cost, and complexity, with reduced reliability and consistency due to separate instruments and lack of technical convergence.

Innovation Solution

A combined device for spectroscopic analysis that integrates modules for fluorescence, infrared, and specific weight measurement, allowing simultaneous or successive analysis of samples, with a communication network to process and couple data for improved synergy and reduced acquisition time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate fluorescence and infrared spectroscopic devices are used for grain analysis, then each device can be optimized for its specific measurement function, but the total analysis time increases, space requirements multiply, and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fluorescence and infrared spectroscopic measurement modules into a single integrated device that can perform both types of analysis simultaneously or successively on the same grain sample. The device includes a fluorescence module with excitation light source and detector, an infrared module with infrared source and detector, and a shared sample chamber, allowing dual-mode spectroscopic analysis in one instrument rather than requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device provides multi-functional capability by incorporating both fluorescence spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy systems within a single platform. The device can selectively activate either the fluorescence module or the infrared module depending on the analysis requirement, making it a universal grain analysis instrument that replaces multiple specialized devices while maintaining the measurement precision of each specific technique.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate fluorescence and infrared spectroscopic devices are used, then each device can be independently optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fluorescence and infrared spectroscopic measurement modules into a single integrated device that can perform both types of analysis simultaneously or successively on the same grain sample. The device includes a fluorescence module with excitation light source and detector, an infrared module with infrared source and detector, and a shared sample chamber, allowing dual-mode spectroscopic analysis in one instrument rather than requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device provides multi-functional capability by incorporating both fluorescence spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy systems within a single platform. The device can selectively activate either the fluorescence module or the infrared module depending on the analysis requirement, making it a universal grain analysis instrument that replaces multiple specialized devices while maintaining the measurement precision of each specific technique.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate devices are used for fluorescence and infrared analysis, then each device can be independently operated, but data management complexity and logistical burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement versatilityVSAvoiddata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fluorescence and infrared spectroscopic measurement modules into a single integrated device that can perform both types of analysis simultaneously or successively on the same grain sample. The device includes a fluorescence module with excitation light source and detector, an infrared module with infrared source and detector, and a shared sample chamber, allowing dual-mode spectroscopic analysis in one instrument rather than requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device includes a centralized control system and unified data processing unit that acts as an intermediary between the fluorescence and infrared modules. This mediator coordinates the operation of both modules, manages data acquisition from each detector, and processes the combined spectral data through a single interface, eliminating the need for separate data management systems and reducing logistical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If measurements are performed on different samples by separate devices, then each device can be used independently, but measurement reliability and consistency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidmeasurement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fluorescence and infrared spectroscopic measurement modules into a single integrated device that can perform both types of analysis simultaneously or successively on the same grain sample. The device includes a fluorescence module with excitation light source and detector, an infrared module with infrared source and detector, and a shared sample chamber, allowing dual-mode spectroscopic analysis in one instrument rather than requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device provides enhanced performance in predicting quality indicators, reduces analysis time by half, lowers costs, and ensures homogeneous spectral quality, facilitating data pooling and integration into miniaturized systems.

Implementation Method 1

a second fluorescence analysis module (300) configured to measure a fluorescence spectrum of the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a first infrared analysis module (200) configured to measure an absorbance spectrum of the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP3821231B1Device for grain analysis by fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SPECTRALYS INNOVATION
  • EP3821231B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3821231B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3821231B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A device (1) for spectroscopic analysis of a sample of grains comprises a first module (200) for infrared analysis, a second module (300) for fluorescence analysis, a third module (400) for specific weight analysis and a processing module (500). Each of said first and second modules comprises a measurement chamber for receiving at least a portion of the sample, an excitation sub-module for emitting at least one occurrence of electromagnetic radiation in the direction of said at least one portion of the sample, a measurement sub-module for acquiring at least one electromagnetic spectrum of the sample, and a discharge system for guiding the sample to said third module. The third analysis module comprises a receptacle for receiving the sample and a measurement sub-module for measuring the specific weight of the sample. The processing module comprises a memory (510) for receiving data transmitted by a communication network (600), said data comprising acquired electromagnetic spectrums and measured specific weights, and a processor (520) for linking the data received in the memory and for establishing an indicator of the sample quality from the linked data.