Position-Specific NIR Spectra Probe for Inhomogeneous Substances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inhomogeneous substances pose challenges in obtaining representative samples for optical absorption spectroscopy, as existing methods often require invasive procedures, are expensive, or fail to provide detailed chemical composition data, especially in processes like fermentation and meat product analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for recording Near-Infrared Transmission (NIT) spectra at multiple positions within a substance using a probe with light guiding and collecting means, allowing for in-situ measurement without sample extraction, enabling the determination of mean or average qualitative and quantitative parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sample extraction and homogenization are performed to obtain representative spectroscopic data, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary optical information from the substance without physically removing or destroying the substance itself. Light is transmitted through the substance in situ, and spectral data is collected without requiring sample extraction, homogenization, or destruction of the product structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Light serves as an intermediary medium to obtain information about the substance's composition without direct physical contact or extraction. The optical transmission method uses light as a mediator to probe the substance's properties while leaving the substance intact and undisturbed.
2Measurement precision
If multiple samples are extracted to achieve statistically significant data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substance itself serves as the measurement medium without requiring removal or destruction. The in situ optical transmission method allows the substance to provide its own spectral information while remaining intact, eliminating the need to extract and destroy multiple samples for statistical significance.
3Measurement precision
If a flow section is incorporated for measurements on flowing liquids, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transmission probe is designed to measure substances in various states (liquids, solids, gels, pastes) without requiring different measurement systems or flow sections. The same probe configuration works for static and flowing substances, providing universal applicability across different product forms and process conditions.
4Ease of operation
If invasive probes are used for near infrared reflection measurements, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information deteriorates as no spectral information is obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical invasive probing with optical transmission measurement. Instead of using physical probes that contact and potentially damage the substance, light is transmitted through the substance to obtain spectral information, substituting a non-contact optical system for a mechanical measurement approach.
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 the classification and characterization of inhomogeneous substances by providing a representative set of spectra that can be used to determine average values and identify variations, improving data accuracy and reducing sample damage or extraction difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
providing a probe with light guiding means and light collecting means positioned in an optical path of light to be transmitted by the light guiding means
Implementation Method 2
recording a wavelength absorption spectra of light transmitted through the interior portion currently in the optical path
Implementation Method 3
wavelength absorption spectra of light transmitted through the interior portion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to recording of position-specific optical measurements of substances such as foodstuff, building materials, combustion products etc. The invention provides online, in-situ recording of wavelength absorption spectra in substances, performed without removing a sample from the substance. In inhomogeneous products, the position correlated to each spectrum allows for extraction of both average values for larger regions as well as specific values characteristic for smaller individual portions. In a preferred embodiment, a probe with two elongate arms has light guiding and light collecting means for recording infrared absorption spectra of portions between them, as well as means for determining an insertion distance into the product. The invention may be applied to as different substances as diary products (cheese, cream, milk), fruit, berries, seeds, meat, vegetable and animal fat, animal feed, water, wine, beer, lemonades, oils, rubber and plastic materials, gypsum and plaster, cement and concrete mixes, paints, glues etc.