Removable Gem Tester Probe for Fast Multi-Property Stone Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The difficulty in distinguishing between gemstones such as Cubic Zirconia, white Sapphire, synthetic Moissanites, and Natural Diamonds based on their physical properties leads to fraudulent practices in the gemstone market, necessitating an advanced gem tester for authentication.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a removable probe containing a copper tube, optical fiber, and UV LED source, coupled with a thermal and optical testing assembly, uses a microcontroller to determine gemstone properties like electrical, thermal, and optical properties, and a visual indicator to identify the gemstone type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional lab analysis methods are used to verify diamond authenticity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to expensive and excessive processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is segmented into multiple independent testing modules (thermal conductivity test, electrical conductivity test, optical properties test, hardness test) that can be performed separately and independently, allowing comprehensive verification without requiring a single lengthy laboratory process
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical laboratory analysis is replaced with portable electronic and optical testing devices that can perform multiple authentication functions in the field, eliminating the need to physically transport diamonds to laboratories and reducing verification time from days to minutes
2Measurement precision
If multiple testing methods are combined to improve authentication accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple testing functions (thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, optical properties, hardness) are merged into a single integrated handheld device with a unified user interface and centralized control system, simplifying operation despite the complexity of multiple testing modalities
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device is designed as a universal multi-functional instrument that can authenticate various types of gemstones (diamonds, moissanite, cubic zirconia, sapphire, ruby, emerald, jade) using multiple testing methods, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices
3Measurement precision
If advanced multi-parameter testing is implemented to distinguish similar gemstones, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex testing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system performs automatic analysis and interpretation of test results, with the microcontroller automatically comparing measured parameters against reference data for various gemstones and providing definitive identification without requiring the operator to manually interpret complex data
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback through LED indicators that clearly show test results and gemstone identification, allowing operators to quickly understand outcomes without complex interpretation, with color-coded indicators for different gemstone types and confidence levels
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
The device provides accurate, portable, and user-friendly gemstone analysis, enabling simultaneous determination of multiple properties, supporting multilingual functionality, and seamless communication with smartphones for efficient gemstone identification.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal testing assembly coupled to the copper tube and configured to provide heat to the copper tube and sense a temperature of the copper tube
Implementation Method 2
The optical fiber emits light towards the gemstone
Implementation Method 3
an optical testing assembly configured to generate short and long wavelength UV light and illuminate the stone under test with at least one of the short wavelength UV light and the long wavelength UV light
Implementation Method 4
The handheld device includes a thermal testing assembly coupled to the copper tube and configured to provide heat to the copper tube and sense a temperature of the copper tube
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (100) for identifying precious stones and man-made stones is disclosed. The apparatus (100) includes a handheld device (2) with a probe (4), a thermal and optical testing assembly, a microcontroller (36), and a visual indicator (6). The probe is electronically coupled with the handheld device (2) and is removable and replaceable. The probe (4) includes a copper tube (5a) with an optical fiber (23) and a tip (5) for contacting the stone under test. The thermal testing assembly heats the copper tube (5a) and the optical assembly illuminates the stone (12, 13) under test with UV light. The microcontroller (36) determines heat transfer and determines at least one of: the electrical, thermal, and optical properties of the stone. The microcontroller (36) identifies the type of stone, and the visual indicator displays the result.