Microwave Moisture Measurement for Recycled Paper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the moisture content of waste paper are complex and costly, requiring sensitive electrical circuits and are not suitable for efficient, cost-effective measurement in a paper production context.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that measure the power consumption of microwave radiation applied to the waste paper batch, using a correlation scheme to determine moisture content, which simplifies the process and eliminates the need for complex electrical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional microwave moisture content measurement devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture content measurement precisionVSAvoidelectrical circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex microwave devices. Instead of using full microwave transmission systems with multiple antennas and signal processing circuits, the invention isolates the core principle of microwave power consumption measurement, eliminating unnecessary components while retaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, sensitive microwave measurement equipment with simple, robust power consumption sensors. The measuring device uses basic electrical power measurement components that are inexpensive and durable, sacrificing the sophistication of traditional microwave systems for practical simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If traditional microwave moisture content measurement devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture content measurement precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive microwave measurement hardware with inexpensive power consumption sensing components. The measuring device requires only basic electrical measurement capabilities, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient measurement accuracy for waste paper moisture determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential measurement function from costly microwave systems, keeping only the power consumption measurement aspect. This eliminates the need for expensive microwave generators, antennas, and signal processing equipment, resulting in a cost-effective solution suitable for industrial waste paper processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If traditional microwave measurement devices are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture content measurement precisionVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex microwave measurement systems with simple power consumption measurement devices that are easy to operate. The measuring device requires minimal setup and calibration, and the measurement process is straightforward, making the system accessible to operators without specialized training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the operational simplicity from the measurement process by eliminating complex microwave system operations. Instead of requiring operators to manage microwave generators, antenna positioning, and signal processing, the system simply measures power consumption, greatly simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 quick, uncomplicated, and cost-effective determination of waste paper moisture content, allowing for payment based on dry matter independent of moisture content, with potential for automated and continuous measurement.

Implementation Method 1

Subjecting at least part of the waste paper batch to microwave radiation, which is generated by at least one microwave generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

measuring the power consumption of the at least one microwave generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2216645B1Method and device for calculating the moisture content of recycled paper

Publication Date: 2012.10.10 SIEMENS AG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The method involves detecting a mass of a recycled paper, and applying microwave radiation (3a) to a part of the recycled paper. The microwave radiation is produced by a microwave generator (3). Current consumption of the microwave generator is measured. Moisture content of the recycled paper is determined by utilizing specified correlation scheme, which provides a correlation between the measured current consumption and the moisture content of the recycled paper, where the detected mass of the recycled paper is considered. An independent claim is also included for a device for calculating a moisture content of a recycled paper.