Handheld UV Fluorescence Device for Composite Thermal Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive testing methods for composite materials, such as FTIR spectrometers, are large, expensive, and unsuitable for inspecting difficult-to-reach areas, necessitating a small, portable, and cost-effective system for measuring thermal degradation.
Innovation Solution
A handheld detection device emitting ultraviolet radiation and utilizing a parabolic mirror system to reflect fluoresced visible light radiation to an image sensor, which processes intensity ratios of red, green, and blue colors to determine thermal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If FTIR spectrometer is used for non-destructive testing of composite materials, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical FTIR spectrometer system with an optical system using ultraviolet LED excitation and fluorescence detection. This substitution maintains measurement capability while dramatically reducing device complexity, size, and cost by using simpler optical components instead of sophisticated mechanical scanning spectrometers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent markers as an intermediary substance that absorbs ultraviolet radiation and emits visible fluorescence. This intermediary enables indirect detection of thermal degradation through fluorescence intensity changes, allowing the use of simpler optical detection equipment while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If FTIR spectrometer is used for thermal degradation measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky mechanical FTIR spectrometer with a compact handheld device using LED excitation and fluorescence detection. This substitution enables portability and ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision through the use of sensitive fluorescence detection optics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the inspection task into localized measurements using a handheld device that can be positioned at different spots on the composite material. This segmentation approach maintains measurement precision by allowing focused inspection of specific areas while improving ease of operation through portable, on-site testing capability
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 efficient, portable, and cost-effective measurement of thermal degradation in composite materials, providing reliable data on temperature-induced damage with minimal equipment and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A light-emitting diode (LED) 22 may be powered by a power supply 23 and emits ultraviolet radiation, or emits primarily ultraviolet radiation
Implementation Method 2
The ultraviolet radiation 50 may cause the composite material 20 in the test area 18 to fluoresce visible light radiation 28
Implementation Method 3
A first parabolic mirror 44 may be positioned to reflect the visible light radiation 28 to a second parabolic mirror 46, which may in turn reflect the visible light radiation 28 to an image sensor 26
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4C
AI summary
A system for measuring thermal degradation of composites, may include a housing having an interior with an opening shaped to expose a test area of the composite to be tested to the interior; a light-emitting diode that emits primarily ultraviolet radiation, the diode mounted on the housing to direct the ultraviolet radiation into the interior and through the opening; an image sensor mounted on the housing and open to the interior to receive radiation emitted from the test area passing through the opening into the interior; and an image processor connected to receive a signal from the image sensor, the image processor determining a presence or absence of thermal degradation of the test area in response to the signal.