Optical Container Integrity Detection via Gas Pressure Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting leaks in sealed containers, especially those with small gas volumes or containing normal air, are impractical due to their destructive nature, limited sensitivity, or prolonged detection times, making it difficult to non-destructively assess the integrity of such containers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving subjecting containers to variations in outside pressure or gas composition, followed by optical spectroscopic measurements to detect changes in gas concentration or pressure, utilizing techniques like tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) or gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS), which allows for non-intrusive detection of leaks without damaging the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If penetration tests using dyes or trace gases are used to detect small leaks, then measurement precision is improved, but the container is damaged (destructive testing)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/destructive penetration tests with optical detection methods. An optical sensor detects gas concentration changes inside the container non-intrusively, eliminating the need for physical penetration while maintaining leak detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (gas with distinct optical properties) that mediates between the container interior and the optical sensor. The gas concentration changes serve as an indirect indicator of leaks, allowing detection without direct physical intrusion.
2Productivity
If automated vision systems are used to inspect containers, then productivity is improved, but small leaks cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection methods with optical spectroscopic detection. Instead of using cameras to view container外观, the system uses optical sensors to detect gas concentration changes, enabling detection of small leaks that are invisible to vision systems while maintaining automated high-speed inspection.
3Ease of operation
If optical detection is performed in normal atmosphere without pressure variation, then ease of operation is improved, but detection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pressure variations (vacuum cycles) to the container during optical detection. By periodically changing the external pressure and measuring optical signal changes at each cycle, the system accelerates gas exchange through potential leaks, reducing detection time while maintaining operational simplicity through automated cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary pressure equalization or vacuum application before optical measurement to enhance the detection signal. By pre-conditioning the container with pressure differences, the system prepares the gas distribution to maximize optical signal changes, thereby reducing the time needed to detect leaks.
4Reliability
If mechanical force is applied to flexible containers to check gas pressure resistance, then reliability is improved, but small leaks cannot be detected and container damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure testing with optical detection of gas concentration changes. Instead of applying mechanical force to deform the container and check pressure resistance, the system uses optical sensors to detect subtle gas concentration changes that indicate small leaks, maintaining reliability while improving sensitivity and eliminating damage risk.
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 approach enables the non-destructive detection of leaks by analyzing changes in optical signals resulting from pressure or gas composition variations, effectively identifying breaches in container integrity, even for small leaks or containers with normal air, improving sensitivity and reducing detection time.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing techniques like tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) or gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS)
Implementation Method 2
gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS)
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system is disclosed for determining the integrity of a closed container. The method and system includes the steps of positioning the container in a surrounding, changing a gas pressure, a gas composition, a gas concentration, or any combination of gas pressure, gas concentration and gas composition, in the surrounding. Thereafter subjecting the container to an optical sensor, non-intrusively, the sensor being sensitive to at least one gas, and the sensor is configured for detecting the at least one gas inside the container. Reading a signal from the optical sensor related to a gas pressure, a gas concentration, a gas composition, or any combination of gas pressure, gas concentration, and gas composition, inside the container. The behaviour of the signal being indicative of breach in integrity of the container.