MRI System for Nondestructive On-Line Sample Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack on-line nondestructive systems and methods for optimizing and improving industrial production processes, particularly in the food production industry, for real-time quality assessment and control.
Innovation Solution
An MRI system generates RF frequency-dependent signals, processed using Smith Curve software to determine reactances and inductances, allowing for the detection of substances' properties such as water content, acidity, and contaminants, enabling real-time monitoring and optimization of production processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If off-line measurement methods are used to assess substance characteristics, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but production process efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing MRI measurements on-line during the production process rather than off-line after completion. The system continuously monitors substance characteristics (water content, acidity, contaminants) in real-time as materials move through the production line, enabling immediate detection and correction of quality issues without stopping production for separate laboratory analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical measurement systems with magnetic resonance imaging technology. Instead of using conventional off-line analytical instruments that require sample extraction and laboratory analysis, the system uses MRI to non-destructively measure substance characteristics in-situ during production, achieving both high measurement precision and continuous production efficiency.
2Loss of information
If destructive testing methods are used to analyze substance quality, then detailed composition information can be obtained, but substance integrity deteriorates requiring sample disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical/chemical testing methods with non-destructive magnetic resonance imaging. The MRI system obtains detailed composition information (water content, acidity, contaminants) by detecting magnetic properties of substances without physically altering or consuming the sample, thereby maintaining substance integrity while achieving comprehensive quality analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic field interactions as an intermediary to obtain composition information without direct contact or chemical reaction with the substance. The MRI system employs radiofrequency pulses and magnetic fields to probe substance characteristics, allowing detailed analysis while leaving the substance unchanged and fully recoverable for continued production.
3Reliability
If comprehensive quality parameters are measured to ensure production standards, then product quality improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by using a single MRI-based measurement system to simultaneously determine multiple quality parameters (water content, acidity, contaminants) that would otherwise require separate specialized instruments. This multi-functional approach ensures comprehensive product quality control while avoiding the complexity of integrating multiple separate measurement systems into the production line.
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 nondestructive, real-time monitoring of food products' quality and production processes, ensuring compliance with standards and minimizing water pollution by detecting organic and inorganic contaminants, thereby optimizing production and quality control.
Implementation Method 1
generating RF frequency-dependent MRI signals within a frequency range of the resonant frequency of the substance
Data Source
AI summary
A non-destructive on-line system for detecting a presence of a material in a sample of a substance, including: an MRI device; a flow conduit encompassed by the tunable RF coil of the MRI device and having an input duct and an output duct; a flow of the sample through the flow conduit; a signal detector for detecting frequency-dependent output signals from the MRI device as a function of a frequency variation of the RF tunable coil within a frequency range of an RF resonant frequency of a standard sample of the substance, and a processing unit.