Thermal Analysis Evaluation Using Probability-Based Curve Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The evaluation of thermal analysis results is labor-intensive and prone to subjective interpretation, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies, especially when integrated into complex production processes.

Innovation Solution

A method that calculates quantitative probabilities of measurement result similarity with stored data sets by comparing extracted effect data from the measurement curve with corresponding stored effect data, enabling automated and efficient evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual evaluation of thermal analysis results is performed by users, then interpretation quality can be maintained through expert knowledge, but evaluation time and subjectivity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation qualityVSAvoidevaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of reference measurement curves and their interpretations stored in a database. These reference curves represent expert knowledge and are reused automatically to evaluate new measurement results, eliminating the need for repeated manual expert analysis while preserving interpretation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of expert evaluation with an automated computer-based system. The computer automatically compares new measurement curves against stored reference curves using algorithmic procedures, substituting human manual analysis with automated computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated evaluation methods are implemented, then evaluation speed and consistency improve, but evaluation quality may deteriorate due to lack of expert judgment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation speedVSAvoidevaluation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing reference measurement curves with their expert interpretations in a database before actual evaluation occurs. This preparation allows the automated system to quickly compare new results against pre-processed reference data, maintaining both speed and quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces reference measurement curves as an intermediary between expert knowledge and automated evaluation. These reference curves serve as a bridge, encoding expert interpretation criteria in a form that can be automatically processed while preserving the quality standards established by experts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If manual detection and quantification of characteristic signal changes is performed, then accurate identification of physical effects is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and subjective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal change detection accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the evaluation system to serve itself by automatically comparing measurement curves against reference curves without requiring manual intervention. The computer autonomously performs detection, quantification, and interpretation of characteristic signal changes, making the system self-sufficient while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential evaluation criteria from expert knowledge and embeds them in stored reference measurement curves. This extraction removes the need for manual expert intervention during actual evaluations, simplifying operation while preserving the accuracy of signal change detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If thermal analysis is integrated into complex production processes, then quality assurance capability is enhanced, but evaluation time becomes a critical bottleneck

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality assurance capabilityVSAvoidprocess throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous automated evaluation of thermal analysis results by storing reference curves in a database and using algorithmic comparison methods. This continuous automated processing eliminates interruptions and maintains steady throughput, allowing quality assurance to keep pace with production speed without becoming a bottleneck.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2824450B1Use of a method for evaluating a measurement result of a thermal analysis, computer program product and combination of a production or processing plant and a system for implementing of the use
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 NETZSCH GERATEBAU GMBH
  • EP2824450B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2824450B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2824450B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for evaluating a measurement result (DSCsample; DATAsample) of a thermal analysis. According to the invention, it is provided that, using a program-controlled computer device (14; 14a-2), at least one probability of agreement between the measurement result (DSCsample; DATAsample) and at least one data set previously stored in the computer device (14; 14a-2) is calculated, wherein this calculation is based on a comparison (S4) of effect data (DATAsample) previously extracted from a measurement curve (DSCsample) of the thermal analysis with corresponding stored effect data (DATAref1) of the data set.The invention therefore provides a simpler method for evaluating measurement results (DSCsample; DATAsample) from thermal analyses. This evaluation can advantageously include automatic detection and classification of measurement curves (DSCsample) and, with high evaluation quality, is particularly more efficient, economical, and faster than previously possible. The invention opens up new fields of application for thermal analysis and improves the practicality of using thermal analysis in existing fields. A preferred application, for example, concerns quality assurance in industrial production processes.