Oxygen Absorber Capacity Detection with Position Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods are inadequate for determining the absorption capacity of metal-based oxygen absorbers, particularly after production, especially when they are part of product packaging, due to position and orientation issues affecting measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A device with a position detection system that corrects measurement signals based on the detected position of the oxygen absorber relative to an electromagnetic field, allowing for accurate determination of absorption capacity even when the absorber is in an undefined position, using a combination of camera systems and memory-based corrections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the oxygen absorber is placed in an undefined position within packaging, then the device can be used at the point of use, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to position and orientation variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepoint of use determinationVSAvoidabsorption capacity measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device measures both the electromagnetic field disturbance (related to absorption capacity) and the position/orientation of the oxygen absorber simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows the same measurement system to capture both capacity information and positional information, enabling subsequent correction of the capacity measurement based on the detected position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the detected position and orientation of the oxygen absorber as feedback to correct the absorption capacity measurement. By continuously monitoring position and applying correction factors, the system compensates for positional variations and maintains measurement accuracy regardless of where the absorber is located within the packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If traditional electromagnetic field detection is used without position correction, then the device structure remains simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to position-dependent field disturbances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system structureVSAvoidabsorption capacity measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The existing electromagnetic field detection system serves dual purposes: it detects both the absorption capacity through field disturbance measurement and the position/orientation of the oxygen absorber. This eliminates the need for separate sensing systems while enabling position-based correction of the capacity measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the interpretation and use of the electromagnetic field detection parameters. Instead of treating the field disturbance as a single absorption capacity indicator, the system analyzes multiple parameters including the magnitude and spatial distribution of the field disturbance, which together provide information about both capacity and position, enabling correction without additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the oxygen absorber position is fixed during measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the absorber cannot be freely placed in packaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption capacity measurementVSAvoidpackaging flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of fixing the oxygen absorber to achieve accurate measurement, the system inverts the approach by allowing the absorber to be in any position and then correcting the measurement based on the detected position. This maintains packaging flexibility while achieving measurement accuracy through mathematical correction rather than physical constraint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 reliable and non-destructive determination of absorption capacity at the point of use, ensuring product quality by accounting for variable positions and orientations of the oxygen absorber within packaging.

Implementation Method 1

with a detector for detecting an electromagnetic field, while the metal-based oxygen absorber is placed therein or is moved relative to it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3511707B1Device and method for determining an absorption capacity of an oxygen absorbent
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 B BRAUN AVITUM
  • EP3511707B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3511707B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3511707B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (2) for determining the absorption capacity of a metal-based oxygen absorber (4), preferably in the form of a sachet, comprising: a detector (10) for detecting an electromagnetic field while the metal-based oxygen absorber (4) is placed therein or moved relative to it, preferably uniformly; and an evaluation unit (16) which determines the absorption capacity of the metal-based oxygen absorber (4) on the basis of the measurement signal detected by the detector, wherein the device (2) further comprises a position and/or orientation detection device (18) which detects a position and/or orientation of the metal-based oxygen absorber (4) relative to the electromagnetic field; and wherein the evaluation unit (16) corrects the measurement signal on the basis of the detected position and/or orientation of the metal-based oxygen absorber (4).In addition, the invention relates to a method for determining the absorption capacity of a metal-based oxygen absorber (4) according to the dependent claim.