Non-invasive Milk Quality Estimation via Capacitive Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring milk quality are invasive, require elaborate setups, and are not effective in detecting spoilage non-invasively, especially when milk is exposed to temperature and humidity extremes, and often rely on destructive or time-consuming techniques.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system and method using capacitor plates and a regression-based model to estimate milk quality by measuring capacitance changes caused by dielectric properties, allowing for real-time monitoring without the need for invasive sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags with sensors are attached to milk carton walls to detect dielectric property changes, then real-time milk quality monitoring is achieved, but metal layers in packaging interfere with the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-metallic capacitive sensor system that uses electrical field interaction through the packaging material to detect dielectric property changes in milk. This intermediary approach avoids direct contact with metal components that cause interference, allowing accurate measurement of capacitance changes that correlate with milk pH and quality without being affected by metal layers in the packaging.
2Measurement precision
If elaborate laboratory setups with trained professionals are used to interpret test results, then accurate milk quality assessment is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where the capacitive sensor directly measures dielectric property changes and the embedded processing automatically correlates these measurements with milk quality parameters. The system self-calibrates and provides direct readings without requiring manual sample preparation, laboratory equipment, or trained professionals for interpretation, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in dielectric properties (capacitance) of milk as a proxy indicator for quality degradation. By tracking parameter changes over time and correlating them with pH values and spoilage stages, the system provides continuous real-time assessment without requiring repeated manual testing or complex laboratory analysis.
3Measurement precision
If invasive sampling techniques are used to monitor milk quality, then direct measurement of pH and composition is achieved, but the process is destructive and cannot provide continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sampling methods with a non-contact capacitive sensing system. Instead of physically extracting milk samples for pH testing, the system uses electrical field interaction to detect dielectric property changes through the intact packaging, providing continuous non-invasive monitoring that preserves the milk while delivering equivalent quality information.
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, non-invasive, and real-time estimation of milk quality by correlating capacitance values with pH levels, providing a practical solution for ensuring food safety and reducing healthcare risks associated with spoiled milk.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a resulting voltage signal at a second capacitor plate of the plurality of capacitor plates, wherein the resulting voltage signal at the second capacitor plate is due to one or more dielectric properties of the targeted packaging and the milk contained within the targeted packaging
Data Source
AI summary
State of the art milk quality estimation techniques fail to determine quality of the milk non-invasively. This disclosure relates generally to a system and method for non-invasive estimation of milk quality within targeted packaging. A voltage signal is applied at a first capacitor plate amongst a plurality of capacitor plates placed on either side of a targeted packaging containing milk, wherein the targeted packaging is placed inside an electrode receptacle. The resulting voltage signal is measured at a second capacitor plate of the plurality of capacitor plates. A capacitance value is calculated from the measured voltage signal and a value of pH corresponding to the calculated capacitance value is then determined using a regression-based model. A correlation of the determined value of pH with one or more pre-defined quality indices is performed and the quality of milk within the targeted packaging estimated based on the correlation.