Hyperspectral and SWIR Sensor In-Line Analysis for Absorbent Sanitary Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for in-line analysis of absorbent sanitary articles, such as those involving superabsorbent granular material, face limitations in achieving high-resolution and repeatable measurements of material position, concentration, and distribution due to their physical principles, which are not compatible with the high speeds of product processing.
Innovation Solution
The use of a hyperspectral sensor for initial calibration followed by a narrowband optical sensor, specifically a Short-Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) sensor, for in-line optical inspection at process speeds, allowing the selection of a reference wavelength for high-resolution imaging and detection of material characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If microwave resonator detection is used to detect absorbent granular material, then the detection can be performed in-line during production, but the measurement resolution and repeatability are insufficient for high-speed production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces microwave resonator detection with optical detection systems (cameras, lasers, optical sensors) to measure the position and distribution of absorbent granular material. Optical methods provide higher measurement precision and repeatability while maintaining compatibility with high-speed production lines, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic radiation from 50 to 3000 GHz is used to detect density of absorbent granular material, then in-line detection is achieved, but the resolution and repeatability remain insufficient at high production speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from microwave frequency (50-3000 GHz) to optical parameters (wavelength, intensity, reflectance). This parameter change enables higher measurement precision and reliability while the optical systems can operate at much faster speeds, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used to monitor position and concentration of superabsorbent polymer, then the system can operate at production speeds, but the resolution and repeatability of measurements are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex microwave resonator systems with simpler optical detection systems (cameras, lasers, optical sensors). Optical systems provide superior measurement precision for position and concentration detection while being less complex and more easily integrated into production lines, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
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 approach enables the separation of spectral responses and visual separation of materials within the composite product with high processing speed, allowing for accurate detection of parameters and defects directly in-line and at process speeds, enhancing resolution and speed of image acquisition and processing.
Implementation Method 1
receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected from, or transmitted through, said composite product; and processing the signals provided by said sensor to obtain information on the characteristics of the target materials
Data Source
AI summary
A method for in-line analysis of a composite product, wherein a hyperspectral sensor is used to acquire images of samples of target materials that are part of the composite product, in order to perform an in-line optical inspection at process speed.