Multi-Channel Optical Sensor for Liquid Color Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement technologies lack the accuracy and speed for determining the color properties such as color location, opacity, and color strength of liquid samples like paints and pigments, particularly for angle-dependent particles like titanium dioxide and aluminum mica pigments, and fail to provide continuous high-precision spectrometric data for flowing samples.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system capable of quasi-simultaneous and simultaneous measurement of transmission, forward scatter, and remission of liquid samples, allowing for precise determination of color properties by adjusting the measuring gap and using multiple detectors and light sources to capture data across various angles, enabling high-precision optical geometry and accurate pigment characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement technologies are used, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision and speed are insufficient for determining color properties of liquid samples
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent detection channels, each equipped with specific optical filters and detectors for measuring different parameters (transmission, remission, forward scatter) at specific wavelengths. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-parameter measurement, achieving both high precision and high speed by parallelizing the measurement process rather than sequentially measuring each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds angular dimension to traditional transmission/remission measurement by incorporating forward scatter detection at specific angles (e.g., 45°). This dimensional expansion provides additional independent measurement data that enhances precision in determining particle properties and color characteristics, while the multi-angle simultaneous measurement maintains high speed.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement parameters (transmission, forward scatter, remission) are measured simultaneously, then comprehensive color property data is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed as a universal multi-functional platform where a single integrated device performs transmission measurement, remission measurement, and forward scatter measurement. Common components such as the light source, flow cell, and signal processing electronics serve all three measurement functions, reducing overall system complexity compared to three separate independent measurement devices while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple measurement functions are merged into a single integrated optical path and detection system. The beam splitter combines transmitted light and scattered light paths, while the detector array simultaneously captures multiple parameters. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and reduces operational complexity while achieving comprehensive color property analysis.
3Measurement precision
If excessive pigment dosing is used to ensure color specification, then color opacity is improved, but production cost and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides real-time feedback on actual color properties (transmission, remission, forward scatter values) during the pigment dosing process. This feedback enables precise control of pigment addition, allowing the system to achieve exact color specifications without excessive dosing. The feedback loop continuously monitors measurement parameters and adjusts pigment dosing accordingly, eliminating material waste while ensuring specification compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures multiple optical parameters (transmission, remission, forward scatter) simultaneously to comprehensively characterize color properties and particle effects. By monitoring changes in these parameters, the system can precisely determine when color specifications are met, preventing both under-dosing and over-dosing of pigment, thereby optimizing material usage while ensuring quality compliance.
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
The sensor system achieves high absolute measurement accuracies, allowing for precise determination of color properties with improved speed and efficiency, reducing the need for excessive pigment dosing and enhancing quality control in paint production.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (LQ) for emitting electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
When forward scatter generally refers to scattering processes in which the light is deflected in a forward direction
Implementation Method 3
part of the radiation is diffusely and/or specularly reflected after interaction with the sample
Implementation Method 4
at least one of the measurement windows (MF1) or (MF2), preferably (MF2), connected to a plunger (ST)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor for a virtually simultaneous measurement of a transmission and/or forward scattering and/or remission and for a simultaneous measurement of the transmission and forward scattering or transmission and remission of a liquid sample, to a method for a virtually simultaneous measurement of a transmission and/or forward scattering and/or remission and for a simultaneous measurement of the transmission and forward scattering or transmission and remission of a liquid sample using a sensor according to the invention, and to the use of the sensor according to the invention for a virtually simultaneous measurement of a transmission and/or forward scattering and/or remission and for a simultaneous measurement of the transmission and forward scattering or transmission and remission of a liquid sample in order to determine the color properties of painting agents such as lacquers, dyes, pastes, and pigments or dilutions thereof.