Portable Spectral Analysis for Fluid Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of uniformity and repeatability in batch-produced beverages due to variations in color, composition, and other characteristics poses challenges in testing, often requiring dedicated laboratories remote from production sites, limiting on-site quality control and consistency.
Innovation Solution
A portable testing system comprising a handheld apparatus with a spectrometer, microcontroller, and network interface that allows for on-site measurement of spectral characteristics of fluid samples, enabling real-time data processing and analysis using a connected computing device, such as a smartphone or laptop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated laboratories are used for fluid testing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to remote location requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with a portable spectral analysis device that uses optical spectroscopy to measure fluid properties. The spectrometer captures spectral data of the fluid sample, which is then processed by a computing device to determine characteristics such as color, composition, and other fluid properties, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical lab testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable testing apparatus is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform various fluid analysis tasks including color measurement, composition analysis, and quality control. The same spectral analysis system can test different fluid types (beverages, chemicals, etc.) and measure multiple parameters simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple specialized laboratory instruments.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated laboratories are used for fluid testing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with a portable spectral analysis device that uses optical spectroscopy to measure fluid properties. The spectrometer captures spectral data of the fluid sample, which is then processed by a computing device to determine characteristics such as color, composition, and other fluid properties, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical lab testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions traditionally performed by separate laboratory instruments into a single portable device. The spectral analysis system integrates light source, spectrometer, data processing, and communication capabilities in one unit, merging the functions of multiple specialized equipment into a consolidated portable system.
3Manufacturing precision
If remote laboratories are used for testing, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to separation from production site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static remote laboratory model into a dynamic portable testing system that moves with the production process. The spectral analysis device can be deployed at different locations within the manufacturing facility or even in the field, allowing quality control to adapt to various production stages and locations rather than being fixed in a remote laboratory.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable testing apparatus enables preliminary quality control measurements to be performed at the source during production, rather than waiting for samples to be transported to and processed in a remote laboratory. This allows real-time detection and correction of quality issues before they affect the final product.
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, real-time measurement and analysis of beverage properties like SRM, pH, color, and anthocyanin levels, facilitating consistent product quality and reducing the need for remote laboratory testing, making it suitable for use in breweries, vineyards, and other production facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a spectrometer aligned with the light source of the head portion to receive the light from the light source after the light has passed through the fluid sample to produce spectral data
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes devices and techniques for testing. In particular, the disclosure describes testing systems that are portable and easy to operate. The testing system can include a measurement apparatus that can be used to measure spectral characteristics of a sample and can be in a portable, hand-held form-factor. The testing system also includes a computing device, such as a mobile phone, a laptop, or a personal computer that can communicate with the measurement device over a wired or a wireless communication link and also can have form-factors that are portable. The computing device can run applications or programs that receive spectral data of the sample from the measurement apparatus and can process the received spectral data to determine various properties of the sample. As both the measurement apparatus and the computing device are portable, the measurements can be easily made at site where the fluid is produced.