Vibrating Inspection Device for Particle Detection in Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection methods for detecting particles in liquids, such as in pharmaceutical preparations, face challenges like air bubble introduction, particle adhesion to container surfaces, and incompatibility with open containers, which can lead to inaccurate results and cosmetic defects during the freeze-drying process.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating inspection device with a frequency generator and piezoelectric transducers that produce high-frequency ultrasonic waves to gently mobilize particles within the liquid, minimizing air bubble formation and particle adhesion, while allowing for efficient detection through optoelectronic inspection, particularly suitable for use with containers that are open or partially open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shaking or vibration is applied to mobilize particles, then particle detection accuracy is improved, but air bubbles are introduced that disturb the inspection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies controlled mechanical vibration to the container to mobilize particles without introducing air bubbles. The vibration arrangement uses a vibration element that can be positioned to vibrate the container wall, creating gentle oscillations that dislodge particles from the container bottom and walls while avoiding the violent shaking that generates air bubbles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) to optimize particle mobilization while avoiding air bubble formation. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves sufficient particle movement for detection while maintaining liquid integrity and avoiding harmful side effects like air bubble introduction.
2Measurement precision
If shaking or vibration is applied to mobilize particles, then particle detection accuracy is improved, but particles are transported to the surface and stuck to container closure systems
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration arrangement generates controlled oscillations that mobilize particles throughout the liquid volume without creating the turbulent flow patterns that cause particles to rise to the surface. The gentle vibration keeps particles suspended in the bulk liquid rather than transporting them to the container closure surfaces where they would adhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces violent mechanical shaking with controlled vibration technology. Instead of using strong mechanical agitation that causes particle migration to surfaces, the system uses vibrational energy to create gentle particle mobilization, substituting a different mechanical mechanism that avoids the harmful adhesion effect.
3Measurement precision
If shaking or pre-rotation is applied to mobilize particles, then particle detection is improved, but it is not compatible with open or partially open containers for freeze-drying
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration arrangement is designed to work with open or partially open containers by positioning the vibration element to vibrate the container wall without requiring the container to be sealed. This allows particle mobilization in open containers during inspection without interfering with subsequent freeze-drying processes where the container may remain open for sublimation or evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration arrangement provides localized vibration to the container wall and liquid interface rather than requiring global container movement. This local vibration approach can be applied to open containers without affecting the overall container stability or creating spills, making it compatible with both closed and open container configurations.
4Measurement precision
If normal shaking is applied to mobilize particles, then particle detection is improved, but product spill and residue in container closure system occur
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled vibration mechanism mobilizes particles through gentle oscillations that do not create the turbulent flow and splashing associated with normal shaking. This prevents product spillage and avoids creating residue in the container closure system while still achieving sufficient particle mobilization for accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the mechanical action parameters from violent shaking to controlled vibration, the system achieves particle mobilization without the harmful side effects of product loss. The vibration parameters are optimized to maintain liquid level stability and prevent spillage while still dislodging particles from the container bottom and walls.
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 accurate and gentle inspection of liquids, reducing air bubble production and particle adhesion, ensuring high precision and reliability, especially in pharmaceutical preparation processes like freeze-drying, by efficiently mobilizing particles without causing product loss or cosmetic defects.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer (22) adapted to transduce the electrical signal provided by the frequency generator (21) into an acoustic wave
Implementation Method 2
a vibration arrangement (2) for vibrating the container (4). The vibration arrangement (2) comprises a frequency generator (21) to provide an electrical signal and a transducer (22) adapted to transduce the electrical signal provided by the frequency generator (21) into an acoustic wave
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection device has a particle detector adapted to detect particles in a liquid, the particle detector preferably including a camera. The inspection device including a seat adapted to position a container housing the liquid in an area of operation of the particle detector and a vibration arrangement for vibrating the container. The vibration arrangement includes a frequency generator adapted to provide an electrical signal and a transducer adapted to transduce the electrical signal provided by the frequency generator into an acoustic wave. The seat is adapted to position the container adjacent to the transducer for inspecting a liquid inside a container with respect to the existence of particles. The inspection device allows for an accurate and gentle inspection of the liquid filled in the container and for detecting particles in the liquid.