Capillary Tube Bubble-Pressure Measurement for Tiny Outlet Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the output diameter of capillary tubes are inefficient, particularly when the diameters are too small to be measured under an optical microscope, necessitating more accurate and efficient measurement techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method involving connecting a capillary tube to a regulated pneumatic system, immersing the output portion in a liquid, and supplying gas under varying pressures to determine the minimum pressure for gas bubble generation (MPGBG) value, which correlates with the output diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical microscopy is used to measure capillary tube output diameter, then direct visual measurement is possible, but the method becomes time-consuming and inefficient for very small diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical microscopy (a mechanical/optical measurement system) with a pneumatic pressure-based measurement system. Instead of visually measuring the output diameter through a microscope, the system uses gas pressure to generate bubbles and determines the minimum pressure required for bubble generation, which correlates to the output diameter. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming visual measurement process while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct dimensional measurement (output diameter in micrometers) to pressure measurement (minimum gas pressure for bubble generation in psi or kPa). By measuring the pressure required to generate a bubble through the capillary tube outlet, the system indirectly determines the output diameter without requiring direct optical measurement. This parameter transformation enables faster, more efficient measurements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the output diameter is made very small to achieve finer line widths, then printing precision is improved, but the diameter becomes too small to be measured under an optical microscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with a pneumatic detection system. Instead of attempting to visually resolve and measure sub-micrometer diameters through an optical microscope, the system uses gas pressure to probe the outlet. The minimum pressure required to generate a bubble provides information about the outlet size without requiring direct optical resolution of the tiny diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gas bubbles as an intermediary to indirectly measure the capillary tube output diameter. The bubbles serve as a mediator between the measurement system and the tiny outlet dimension. By observing the pressure required to generate and expel bubbles through the outlet, the system can infer the outlet size without directly measuring the tiny diameter itself.
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
This method allows for the accurate estimation of capillary tube output diameters without the need for time-consuming optical microscopy, enabling efficient measurement and storage of MPGBG values and corresponding output diameters.
Implementation Method 1
connecting an inlet of the capillary tube to a regulated pneumatic system, configured to supply a gas to the inlet under pressure
Implementation Method 2
In the higher pressure range, gas bubbles are generated in the liquid from the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring a minimum pressure for gas bubble generation (MPGBG) value of a capillary tube is disclosed. The capillary tube has an inlet and an output portion including an outlet. The inlet is connected to a regulated pneumatic system, configured to supply a gas to the inlet under pressure. The output portion is immersed in a liquid. The gas is supplied to the inlet under a range of pressures including a higher pressure range and a lower pressure range. In the higher pressure range, gas bubbles are generated in the liquid from the outlet. In the lower pressure range, no gas bubbles are generated in the liquid from the outlet. A value of the minimum pressure for gas bubble generation (MPGBG) for the liquid is determined.Other methods include a method of measuring and storing MPGBG values of capillary tubes, methods of selecting at least one capillary tube from a plurality of capillary tubes, and a method of cutting a capillary tube to a desired MPGBG value.