Measuring Device Continuous Calibration Optical Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflectance measuring devices require complex swivel mechanisms for calibration, disrupting the detection of crop material flow and necessitating interruptions during the calibration process.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with an illumination source that redirects a portion of its light beam to a reference object using reflectors, prisms, or optical waveguides, allowing for continuous measurement without the need to switch the material and reference object, enabling calibration within milliseconds using a multiplexer and spectrometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a swivel mechanism is used to replace the material with the reference object for calibration, then the calibration can be performed, but the detection of crop material flow must be interrupted and the mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is segmented into multiple independent channels: one for measuring crop material and another for calibration with the reference object. This allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interference, eliminating the need for a swivel mechanism while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration function is added to a different spatial dimension (separate optical path) rather than replacing the material in the same path. This dimensional separation allows continuous material measurement while performing calibration through the reference object in parallel.
2Measurement precision
If a swivel mechanism is used to switch between material and reference object, then calibration can be performed, but the measurement of crop material flow must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is designed so that the illumination source continuously illuminates both the crop material and the reference object through separate paths. This ensures continuous measurement of crop material flow while calibration occurs simultaneously through the reference object, eliminating interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the optical path into independent measurement and calibration channels, the system can perform both functions simultaneously without switching. The measurement channel continues uninterrupted while the calibration channel uses the reference object in parallel.
3Measurement precision
If the reference object is positioned in the beam path to replace the material, then calibration can be performed, but a complex swivel mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into separate measurement and calibration paths, allowing the reference object to be positioned independently in the calibration path without affecting the material measurement path. This eliminates the need for complex swivel mechanisms while maintaining calibration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitter or optical combiner acts as an intermediary element that directs light from the illumination source to both the crop material and the reference object simultaneously. This intermediary allows independent positioning of the reference object without requiring complex switching mechanisms.
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 continuous, real-time measurement of crop material flow with accurate calibration, preventing incorrect data from light absorption and allowing for quick analysis of ingredients and properties without interrupting the material flow.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the light beam from the illumination source is redirected by at least one reflector
Implementation Method 2
the light beam from the illumination source is redirected by at least one prism
Implementation Method 3
a portion of the light beam from the illumination source is redirected such that it is guided by an optical waveguide
Implementation Method 4
Given that the material under investigation and/or the reference object reflect the light beam from the illumination source
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device has a sensor for registering at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of at least one ingredient, at least one property, and both, of a material being investigated by the sensor, the sensor including at least one illumination source which directs at least one light beam toward the material to be investigated, at least one reference object for calibrating the measuring device, and an illumination source configured so that a portion of a light beam from the illumination source is redirected toward the reference object.