Optical Dyeing Bath Readings Using Reflectance-Transmittance Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical systems for transmittance spectrophotometry struggle to accurately determine the concentration of coloring agents in dyeing baths, especially at extreme concentrations, with heterogeneous agents, and are unreliable in the presence of temperature, pH, or salinity changes, leading to incorrect readings.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus combining reflectance and transmittance detection methods, using two devices to analyze dyeing baths and textile samples, allowing for precise readings across varying temperatures and concentrations, with the choice of method based on temperature thresholds to minimize errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If transmittance spectrophotometry is used to measure coloring agent concentrations, then optical readings can be obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates at extreme concentrations and in heterogeneous solutions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration measurement precisionVSAvoidreading reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement task into two separate detection modes: transmittance detection for clear solutions and reflectance detection for heterogeneous/opalescent solutions. This segmentation allows each detection mode to be optimized for specific solution types, thereby maintaining measurement precision across different concentration ranges and solution homogeneities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter based on solution conditions. By switching between transmittance and reflectance detection modes depending on whether the solution is clear or heterogeneous, the system adapts to different measurement conditions, ensuring reliable readings across extreme concentrations and varying solution states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single optical detection method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different solution conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different solution conditionsVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal detection system that can perform both transmittance and reflectance detection functions. The optical detection device is designed to switch between different detection modes based on solution conditions, making it versatile enough to handle clear solutions, heterogeneous solutions, extreme concentrations, and various pH/temperature conditions with a single apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If transmittance readings are performed on heterogeneous colorings, then optical control is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to light deviation by dispersed particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical control simplicityVSAvoidconcentration determination precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic switching between transmittance and reflectance detection modes based on real-time assessment of solution homogeneity. The system automatically adapts its detection method according to whether the solution is clear or heterogeneous, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring measurement precision for dispersed particles and extreme concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 and reliable depletion testing of colors in dyeing baths, regardless of agent type or concentration, providing continuous and dynamic readings that account for the specific nature of the dyeing material, improving precision and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a first device (1) by means of which it is possible to carry out a reflectance detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflectance detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second device (101) by means of which it is possible to carry out a transmittance detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransmittance detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

This information is used to determine the residual quantities of the single colouring agents present in the solution according to the well-known Beer-Lambert law

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeer-Lambert law: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7914590B2Apparatus and method for carrying out optical readings on textile materials submitted to dyeing

Publication Date: 2011.03.29 TECNORAMA SRL

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for carrying out optical readings on textile materials submitted to dyeing.