Optical Wettability Detection for Industrial Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining solid surface wettability, such as contact angle measurement and fluorescence analysis, are limited in accuracy and applicability, particularly in industrial settings where efficient detection of surface modifications is crucial for quality control.
Innovation Solution
A solid surface wettability determination system that sprays a liquid onto a surface, projects a light beam, and uses an optical detector to analyze the reflected light, correlating the signal with a pre-established signal-angle relation from a database to determine the contact angle and wettability, allowing for precise hydrophilic or hydrophobic classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional contact angle measurement method is used, then wettability can be determined, but the measurement precision and efficiency are insufficient for industrial quality control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical contact angle measurement methods with an optical detection system. A light source illuminates the liquid droplet on the surface, and an optical detector captures the reflected light intensity, which correlates with the contact angle and wettability. This substitution enables automated, high-speed detection suitable for industrial production lines while maintaining measurement accuracy through optical signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary to indirectly measure wettability. Instead of directly measuring the contact angle geometrically, the system uses light reflection intensity from the liquid droplet as a mediator that correlates with the contact angle. The optical detector captures this intermediate optical signal, which is then processed to determine wettability, enabling non-contact, rapid measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluorescence analysis method is used, then wettability can be detected, but the method is limited in applicability to different surface materials and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal wettability detection system that can measure various surface materials (metal, plastic, ceramic, coated surfaces) under different conditions using the same optical measurement principle. The system sprays a standardized liquid droplet and measures light reflection intensity, which provides consistent wettability data across diverse surfaces without requiring material-specific calibration or multiple detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct geometric contact angle measurement to optical reflection intensity measurement. This parameter transformation enables the system to achieve high precision wettability determination while being universally applicable to different surface materials, as the optical reflection特性 of liquid droplets provides consistent measurement signals across various substrates.
3Loss of time
If manual contact angle measurement is used, then wettability data can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and unsuitable for production line inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated wettability measurement by spraying liquid droplets onto surfaces moving along a production line and continuously capturing optical signals. The system maintains uninterrupted measurement capability, allowing rapid sequential inspection of multiple products without manual intervention, thereby eliminating time losses and significantly increasing quality control throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service automated operation where the liquid is automatically sprayed, the light is automatically projected, the optical signals are automatically detected and processed, and wettability results are automatically determined. This eliminates manual measurement steps entirely, reducing measurement time and enabling high-speed production line integration.
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 method provides accurate and efficient wettability determination, capable of distinguishing between hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions on large surfaces, independent of surface shape, roughness, color, or material, making it suitable for industrial quality control and production line applications.
Implementation Method 1
projecting a light beam toward the surface, wherein the light beam is reflected by the liquid on the solid surface to generate a reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A solid surface wettability determination method is disclosed. A liquid is sprayed on a surface of an object. A light beam is projected toward the surface, wherein the light beam is reflected by the liquid on the surface to generate a reflected light. The reflected light is received by an optical detector, and the optical detector outputs a determining signal related to a wettability of the surface according to the reflected light. A corresponding signal-angle relation is selected from a database according to type of the liquid and material of the object. The contact angle of the liquid on the surface is obtained by applying the determining signal to the corresponding signal-angle relation.