3D Printed Plastic Seedling Reference Samples for X-Ray Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in quality control of three-dimensional X-ray optical inspection devices for seedlings is that natural seedlings cannot be used as reference samples due to their constant change and short shelf life, making it difficult to create reliable quality control charts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the three-dimensional optical or X-ray measurement of natural seedlings, followed by the creation of control programs for 3D printing artificial seedlings that serve as reference samples. These artificial seedlings are made of plastic and are designed to mimic natural seedlings in various growth phases, allowing for accurate calibration and monitoring of the inspection devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural seedlings are used as reference samples for quality control, then the monitoring of systematic changes in measured values can be achieved, but the reference samples cannot be used due to their constant change and short shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates artificial seedlings that are copies or replicas of natural seedlings at specific growth stages. These artificial copies are produced using 3D printing technology based on measured data from natural seedlings, allowing them to serve as stable reference samples that replicate the radiographic properties of real seedlings without suffering from their short shelf life and constant changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the material properties of the reference samples by using plastics with specific X-ray absorption characteristics that match or approximate those of natural seedlings. By adjusting the plastic material composition and density, the artificial seedlings achieve comparable radiographic properties while providing long-term stability for quality control measurements.
2Productivity
If process parameters are monitored without reference samples, then operating values can be tracked, but undetected disturbance variables may influence results and quality control charts cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial seedlings serve as stable reference copies that enable the creation of quality control charts. By providing consistent, unchanging reference objects, they allow for the precise detection of systematic changes in measured values over time, thereby improving measurement precision and enabling the creation of reliable quality control documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where measured values from artificial reference seedlings are used to create and update quality control charts. These charts provide continuous feedback on the performance and stability of the inspection system, allowing for the detection of disturbance variables and systematic changes that would otherwise go unnoticed.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If artificial seedlings are made with plastic material, then long shelf life and stability are achieved, but the X-ray absorption values may deviate from natural seedlings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically adjusts the plastic material parameters including composition, density, and additives to match the X-ray absorption characteristics of natural seedlings. By carefully controlling these material parameters, the artificial seedlings achieve both long-term stability and accurate radiographic properties within acceptable deviation ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite plastic materials or plastics with added substances to fine-tune the X-ray absorption properties. By combining different materials or adding specific compounds to the base plastic, the artificial seedlings can achieve X-ray absorption values that closely match natural seedlings while maintaining the stability and shelf life advantages of synthetic materials.
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 enables the creation of reliable quality control charts for three-dimensional X-ray optical inspection devices, ensuring accurate and comparable results across various seedlings, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the inspection process.
Implementation Method 1
The artificial seedlings to be produced with the correspondingly created control programs are made of a plastic. The artificial seedlings produced in this way are then measured in three dimensions by X-ray. The measured values recorded in this process are entered in a control chart or an already created control chart is adapted accordingly.
Implementation Method 2
The artificial seedlings produced in this way are then measured in three dimensions by X-ray. The measured values recorded in this process are entered in a control chart or an already created control chart is adapted accordingly.
Implementation Method 3
For printing, a plastic should be used that has an X-ray absorption value that deviates by a maximum of ±50%, preferably a maximum of 30%, from X-ray absorption values of natural seedlings.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring and/or calibrating a device designed for three-dimensional X-ray optical inspection of seedlings in different growth phases may optically or X-ray optically measure natural seedlings in three dimensions at predetermined times during their growth phase. The method may create a control program for a device which is designed for the three-dimensional printing of artificial seedlings as reference samples which are replicas of the natural seedlings in each case using the recorded measured values. The method may also produce artificial seedlings with a plastic using the device in accordance with the created control program. The artificial seedlings thus produced may be measured three-dimensionally by X-ray optics and the measured values thus acquired may be recorded in a control chart or an already created control chart is adapted, with which control chart monitoring and/or calibration of the device designed for the three-dimensional X-ray optical inspection of seedlings is performed.