Small-Sample Capillary Flow Measurement with Reusable Push-Back Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the viscosity and surface tension of small amounts of liquid specimens, such as blood coagulation, face challenges in accurately and efficiently capturing temporal changes due to potential influences from the capillary tube itself and the inability to repeatedly use the same tube for multiple measurements.
Innovation Solution
A measuring instrument and method utilizing a capillary tube with a push-back mechanism, pressure adjustment, and detection units to measure arrival times of liquid levels, allowing for repeated use and accurate measurement of flow properties by adjusting pressure and tilting the tube to account for gravitational forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capillary tube is used to measure the viscosity of a small amount of liquid specimen, then the measurement precision is improved, but the capillary tube cannot be repeatedly used for multiple measurements due to potential influences from the capillary tube itself
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the capillary tube from a single-use configuration to a reusable configuration by implementing a push-back mechanism that reverses the liquid flow direction. This allows the same capillary tube to be used for multiple measurements, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic action by repeatedly pushing back the liquid through the capillary tube using a pressure adjustment unit. The liquid is pushed forward during measurement and then pushed back to the initial position, enabling the capillary tube to be used for multiple sequential measurements without replacement, thus improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the same capillary tube is used for repeated measurements, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision may deteriorate due to potential influences from the capillary tube itself
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements parameter changes by controlling the pressure differential across the capillary tube during the push-back process. By carefully adjusting the pressure to be sufficient for liquid reversal but controlled to avoid excessive force, the system maintains measurement precision while enabling repeated use of the same capillary tube, thus improving productivity without sacrificing accuracy.
3Productivity
If pressure is applied to push back the liquid through the capillary tube, then the ability to repeatedly use the capillary tube is improved, but the liquid flow may be affected by gravitational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the anti-weight principle by using the pressure adjustment unit to counteract gravitational forces during the push-back process. The pressure applied is calibrated to overcome gravity and push the liquid back through the capillary tube, ensuring complete liquid reversal while maintaining measurement accuracy. This enables repeated use of the capillary tube without compromising measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the pressure differential during different phases of the measurement cycle. During forward flow, gravity assists the flow; during push-back, pressure is increased to overcome gravity. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures accurate measurement of liquid flow properties while enabling repeated capillary tube use, resolving the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision.
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 precise and reproducible measurement of flow properties, including viscosity and surface tension, even for small volumes, with the ability to trace temporal changes and accommodate reactions within the same capillary tube, enhancing measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flow path through which the body fluid flows with effects of force by capillary action
Implementation Method 2
a pressure adjustment unit that is connected to the first opening part side and can be set to pressure with which the test liquid having flowed into the capillary tube is pushed back to the second opening part side
Implementation Method 3
a measurement unit configured to measure an arrival time tn at a liquid level position Ln in the capillary tube
Data Source
AI summary
It is intended to provide a measuring instrument or the like capable of measuring a flow property of a small amount of sample. A measuring instrument 101 configured to measure a flow property of a test liquid 5, the measuring instrument 101 including: a push-back means configured to push back the test liquid 5, the test liquid 5 having flowed into a capillary tube 11 including a first opening part 111 and a second opening part 112 from the second opening part 112 side toward the first opening part 111 side, to the second opening part 112 side; an adjustment valve for adjusting liquid flow in the capillary tube 11; and a measurement unit 6 configured to measure an arrival time tn at a liquid level position Ln in the capillary tube 11.