Spectroscopic Probe Layout for Central Moving-Object Observation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing probes for spectroscopic analysis of moving objects fail to adequately observe certain segments, particularly the central areas, due to the arrangement of optical fibers, leading to insufficient imaging for quality analysis.

Innovation Solution

The probe design includes first and second optical fibers offset along the longitudinal direction, with second fibers distributed on the same side and intersecting first fibers at less than 10 mm, allowing improved lateral distribution and reduced number of active fibers for enhanced spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If second optical fibres are distributed into two lateral groups on either side of first optical fibres, then the probe can observe objects from multiple angles, but the central area of the conveyor becomes too far away from the second optical fibres to be visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation coverageVSAvoidspatial resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning all second optical fibres on the same side of the first optical fibres rather than distributing them symmetrically on both sides. This asymmetric arrangement creates an offset configuration where the second fibres are located at a longitudinal offset from the first fibres, enabling better observation of the central conveyor area while maintaining adequate spatial resolution through the offset geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Measurement precision

If the number of optical fibres is increased to improve spatial resolution, then better observation is achieved, but the total number of fibres becomes unnecessarily large increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidnumber of optical fibres
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the second optical fibres in a specific longitudinal offset region rather than distributing them uniformly across the entire probe surface. This localized arrangement ensures that fibres are positioned where they are most needed for capturing spatially resolved information from moving objects, achieving high spatial resolution with a reduced total number of fibres by optimizing their local distribution pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If fibres are distributed over a small surface area to maintain good spatial resolution at high moving speeds, then measurement frequency increases, but the distribution becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement frequencyVSAvoidfibre distribution constraint
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing the longitudinal dimension (offset along the moving direction) in addition to the lateral dimension for fibre distribution. Instead of only distributing fibres laterally across the probe width, the invention positions second optical fibres at a longitudinal offset from the first optical fibres, effectively using two dimensions (lateral position and longitudinal offset) to achieve comprehensive observation coverage with a compact fibre arrangement that supports high measurement frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 arrangement enables better observation of moving objects, particularly small ones in the center, by increasing the frequency of measurements and improving spectral information quality through varied photon paths and reduced data processing time.

Implementation Method 1

one or more first optical fibres opening out onto said surface and arranged to emit electromagnetic radiation from at least one source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from optical fibres: Light

Implementation Method 2

second optical fibres opening out onto said surface, and arranged to capture electromagnetic radiation and transmit it to a receiving device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation capture: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12492940B2Measurement equipment for spectroscopic analysis of individual moving objects
Publication Date: 2025.12.09 PHARMA TECH
  • US12492940B2 patent drawing
  • US12492940B2 patent drawing
  • US12492940B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Measurement equipment can be used for control with spectroscopic analysis of individual moving objects. The measurement equipment includes a probe with a surface, from which one or more illumination optical fibres and measurement optical fibres emerge. The optical fibres are arranged so that at least one of the second acceptance cones intersects at least one first acceptance cone at less than 10 mm from the surface. The measurement equipment includes a triggering device detecting the objects upstream of the probe to activate or deactivate the observation of the objects by the probe.