Mobile Near-Infrared Spectrometer for Building Material Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assessing the value, kind, and quality of building materials, such as flooring and roofing, are inefficient and time-consuming, requiring onsite collection of samples and subsequent laboratory analysis, which is costly and delays insurance claims adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A remote data collection system using mobile devices with an interactive program that allows users to input data and photos on-site, facilitating immediate analysis and value assessment through a mobile near-infrared spectrometer for qualitative material analysis, reducing the need for physical sample transportation and speeding up the evaluation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical samples are collected and sent to laboratory for analysis, then material identification and valuation can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile spectrometer to create a digital spectral copy of the building material's infrared signature, replacing the need for physical sample collection and laboratory analysis. The spectrometer captures the material's unique spectral characteristics directly at the site, allowing rapid identification without transporting physical samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical sample collection, transportation, and laboratory analysis with an optical/electromagnetic field-based system. The mobile spectrometer uses infrared radiation detection to identify materials, substituting the mechanical logistics of sample handling with non-contact spectral measurement.
2Measurement precision
If physical samples are collected and sent to laboratory for analysis, then material identification can be performed, but transportation costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital spectral signature that serves as a copy of the material's identifying characteristics. This digital copy can be transmitted and analyzed without moving physical samples, eliminating transportation requirements and associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile spectrometer enables the building material itself to provide its identification information through its inherent infrared spectral signature. The material essentially identifies itself through its spectral characteristics, eliminating the need for external laboratory analysis and sample collection procedures.
3Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory analysis is used, then comprehensive material evaluation can be performed, but the process is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital spectral data as a copy of the material's identification information, eliminating the need for expensive physical sample handling, transportation, and laboratory facilities. The spectral signature provides sufficient material identification without requiring comprehensive physical analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical and laboratory-based analysis systems with a portable optical measurement system. The mobile spectrometer uses infrared detection technology that is significantly less expensive than traditional laboratory equipment while providing equivalent material identification capabilities.
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 solution enables rapid, on-site assessment of building materials, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with insurance claims adjustments by allowing immediate data collection and analysis, thereby streamlining the process and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile near-infrared spectrometer for qualitative material analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for remotely collecting data for the assessment of value and/or like, kind, and quality are provided, including a mobile device equipped with an application configured to enable collection of data; the data acquired using the device are received by a service provider; and following the assessment transmitting of the assessment analysis by the service provide to the display of the mobile device of the user.