Particle Size Distribution Measurement Device Absolute Counting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional particle size distribution measurement devices can only provide relative particle number distributions, failing to accurately measure absolute particle numbers, especially for small particles that cannot be confirmed using microscopes, and require extensive time for precise counting.

Innovation Solution

A particle size distribution measurement device that calculates absolute particle numbers by using light intensity signals from diffracted/scattered light, correlating with pre-determined particle number-light intensity data from known samples, and correcting for refractive index variations, allowing for the conversion of relative distributions to absolute terms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If particle counting is performed using a microscope to measure absolute particle numbers, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases substantially and small particles cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsolute particle number measurementVSAvoidparticle counting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical microscopy system with a light scattering measurement system. By measuring the intensity of light scattered by particles and correlating it with particle number through pre-established correlation data, the system achieves absolute particle number measurement without manual counting, dramatically reducing measurement time while maintaining precision for small particles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light scattering intensity as an intermediary parameter between particle presence and particle number. Instead of directly counting particles, the system measures scattered light intensity and uses pre-established correlation data (from known samples) to convert this intermediate measurement into absolute particle numbers, enabling rapid measurement of small particles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If particle size distribution is measured using conventional light scattering methods, then measurement speed is improved, but only relative particle number distribution can be obtained without absolute particle numbers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidabsolute particle number information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurements using known samples with predetermined particle numbers to establish correlation data between light scattering intensity and particle number. This pre-established correlation enables subsequent rapid measurements of unknown samples to yield absolute particle numbers directly, preserving both speed and absolute number information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from measurements on known samples to establish and refine the correlation between light scattering intensity and particle number. This feedback mechanism allows the system to convert relative intensity measurements into absolute particle number data for unknown samples while maintaining measurement speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 calculation of absolute particle numbers and distributions, minimizing discrepancies due to refractive index differences, and efficiently measuring particle sizes in various samples, including small particles.

Implementation Method 1

irradiates light onto particles contained in an object being measured, and then calculates the particle size distribution of the particles based on light intensity distributions of diffracted light and scattered light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight diffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

light intensity distributions of diffracted light and scattered light (hereinafter, referred to on occasion as diffracted/scattered light) generated by this irradiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS11169068B2Particle size distribution measurement device and program for a particle size distribution measurement device

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 HORIBA LTD

AI summary

A particle size distribution measurement device contains a specific particle size light intensity calculation unit that calculates a light intensity generated by particles having a specific particle size that are contained in an object, a correlation data storage unit that stores particle number-light intensity correlation data, and a particle number calculation unit that calculates the number of particles having a specific particle size that are contained in the object being measured based on light intensities calculated by the specific particle size light intensity calculation unit, and on the particle number-light intensity correlation data.