THz Phase Measurement for Non-Destructive Tablet Hardness

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring the hardness and porosity of pharmaceutical tablets are destructive and not suitable for real-time monitoring, hindering the implementation of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) in ensuring quality by design.

Innovation Solution

A measurement device utilizing an electromagnetic wave detector and phase measurement unit to detect changes in electromagnetic waves within the frequency range of 0.02 THz to 12 THz, allowing for non-destructive determination of hardness and porosity based on refractive index measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If destructive measurement methods (tablet hardness tester, helium pycnometer, mercury intrusion porosimetry) are used to measure hardness and porosity, then measurement precision is improved, but the object is destroyed and real-time monitoring is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardness and porosity measurement accuracyVSAvoidreal-time monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical destructive testing methods with electromagnetic wave-based non-destructive measurement. The system uses electromagnetic waves in the 0.02-12 THz range to interact with the tablet, measuring phase changes as the waves pass through to determine hardness and porosity without physical contact or destruction of the sample.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical force application to electromagnetic wave phase detection. By measuring the phase shift of electromagnetic waves after they pass through the tablet, the system derives hardness and porosity information without altering the tablet's physical state, enabling repeated and real-time measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If near infrared diffused reflection method is used for non-destructive measurement, then object destruction is avoided, but only surface layer information is obtained and entire tablet analysis is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-destructive measurement capabilityVSAvoidentire tablet analysis accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from surface-only reflection measurement to volumetric transmission measurement by using electromagnetic waves that can penetrate through the entire tablet. The transmission method allows the electromagnetic waves to interact with all layers of the tablet, providing information about the entire tablet rather than just the surface layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic wave measurement system provides universal applicability for measuring both surface and internal properties of the tablet simultaneously. The phase measurement technique can detect variations throughout the tablet's volume, making it suitable for various tablet types and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional measurement methods are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but productivity is reduced due to lack of real-time monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardness and porosity determinationVSAvoidmanufacturing process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring of tablet hardness and porosity during the manufacturing process. The electromagnetic wave measurement system can rapidly assess multiple tablets without interruption to the production line, maintaining continuous production flow while providing quality data for process control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 real-time, non-destructive analysis of tablet hardness and porosity, facilitating the integration of PAT in pharmaceutical manufacturing and improving quality control.

Implementation Method 1

a phase measurement unit that measures a change in phase of the electromagnetic wave generated by the travel inside the object to be measured

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase measurement of electromagnetic waves:

Data Source

PatentUS10067057B2Measurement device, method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 ADVANTEST CORP

AI summary

According to the present invention, a measurement device includes an electromagnetic wave detector, a phase measurement unit and a deriving unit. The electromagnetic wave detector detects an electromagnetic wave having a frequency equal to or more than 0.02 THz and equal to or less than 12 THz having traveled inside an object to be measured, which is an aggregation of particles. The phase measurement unit measures a change in phase of the electromagnetic wave generated by the travel inside the object to be measured based on a detection result by the electromagnetic wave detector. The deriving unit derives hardness or porosity of the object to be measured based on a measurement result by the phase measurement unit.