Terahertz Investigative System for Moving Samples
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Terahertz measurement technologies face challenges in accurately measuring samples with uncontrolled orientations and positions, particularly in industrial processes where samples are continuously moving and randomly oriented, leading to confused data due to sample motion and orientation variability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a terahertz radiation emitter and detector, along with determining means to filter out signals from samples not in the correct orientation, using software, optics, or threshold comparison to ensure valid data collection from moving samples, allowing for quasi-stationary measurements with minimal error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If samples are held stationary in a well defined orientation to optimise signal quality, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to limited measurement rate from mechanical arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from measuring stationary samples to measuring moving samples. The emitter and detector remain stationary while samples move through the measurement field, enabling continuous measurement without mechanical stage movement, thus improving productivity while maintaining signal quality through proper timing and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical stage movement with a stationary optical measurement system. Instead of moving the sample mechanically to different positions for measurement, the system uses a stationary emitter and detector with timing control to measure samples as they move through the field of view, eliminating mechanical constraints on measurement rate.
2Productivity
If samples are moved rapidly through the measurement system to improve productivity, then measurement rate is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sample motion and orientation variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the position and orientation of samples before performing the actual measurement. By pre-acquiring orientation information and selecting only samples with appropriate orientation for measurement, the system ensures high data quality even when samples are moving rapidly through the measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces determining means as an intermediary between the moving samples and the measurement system. This intermediary component filters and identifies samples with correct orientation, acting as a selector that ensures only suitable samples are measured, thereby maintaining precision despite high-speed sample movement.
3Measurement precision
If determining means are added to filter signals from properly oriented samples, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determining means is integrated into the existing measurement system rather than being a separate standalone component. The same emitter and detector used for measurement also serve to determine sample orientation and position, allowing the system to perform multiple functions (detection and determination) with a single integrated apparatus, thus minimizing additional complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the measurement system uses mechanical stages or robotic arms to position samples, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and productivity are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates mechanical positioning stages and robotic arms by using a stationary measurement system. Samples move through a fixed emitter-detector arrangement, and positioning information is obtained through optical determination rather than mechanical control, dramatically reducing device complexity while enabling continuous high-speed measurement.
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 acquisition of high-quality THz signals from rapidly moving samples with varying orientations, providing accurate data on coating thickness, uniformity, and composition, even in uncontrolled environments, with measurement errors reduced to 3% or less.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter of terahertz radiation for irradiating a sample provided in a sample space
Implementation Method 2
a detector of terahertz radiation configured to detect radiation reflected from said sample space
Implementation Method 3
the THz specular reflectance of many interesting materials is relatively low
Data Source
AI summary
A system for investigating a plurality of samples having varying positions or orientations moving with respect to the system, the system including an emitter of terahertz radiation for irradiating a sample provided in a sample space; a detector of terahertz radiation configured to detect radiation reflected from said sample space; and determining means to determine if radiation reflected from said sample space is from a sample with a predetermined orientation in the sample space.