Noninvasive Refractometer Using Asymmetric Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refractometers require samples to be taken out of their containers for measuring refractive index, which is not feasible in all scenarios, especially for measuring the sugar content of wines without opening the bottle, leading to confusion, potential counterfeit detection, and inadequate recommendations for consumers and diabetic individuals.
Innovation Solution
A method using at least two separate light paths of unequal length that reflect from the wall/medium interface to measure the refractive index of a fluid through the container wall, insensitive to the color and thickness of the wall, allowing for non-invasive measurement of the sugar content by calculating the Fresnel reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional refractometer is used to measure refractive index, then measurement can be performed, but the fluid sample must be taken out of its container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system that includes a light source, a first optical element, a second optical element, and a detector. This intermediary system enables measurement through the container wall without direct contact with the fluid, thus avoiding sample loss while achieving the measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sampling process with an optical measurement system. Instead of physically extracting fluid samples through mechanical means, the invention uses light reflection and optical elements to measure refractive index non-invasively through the container wall.
2Ease of operation
If measurement is performed through the container wall, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but the measurement is affected by wall color and thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric optical path design where the first and second optical elements are positioned at different locations and orientations relative to the container wall. This asymmetric configuration creates multiple reflection paths that can be mathematically combined to eliminate the effects of wall thickness and color variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the optical system by using multiple light paths with different incident angles and path lengths through the wall. By measuring at multiple parameters (different angles and positions) and processing these measurements, the system compensates for wall variations and achieves accurate refractive index measurement.
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 precise measurement of sugar content in unopened bottles, reducing confusion, detecting potential counterfeits, and assisting consumers and diabetic individuals in making informed choices, while being independent of bottle color and thickness.
Implementation Method 1
The essential characteristic of the invention is that, by using at least two separate light paths that are of unequal length and that reflect from the wall/medium interface, it is possible to perform the measurement of the refractive index of the medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to the measurement of the refractive index of a medium, such as a fluid, through the wall of its container. The essential characteristic of the invention is that, by using at least two separate light paths that are of unequal length and that reflect from the wall/medium interface, it is possible to perform the measurement of the refractive index of the medium so that the result is insensitive to the color and thickness of the wall.