CT Fixture for Real-Time Fluid Dynamics in Absorbent Samples
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining fluid dynamics in personal care products, such as tampons, are limited by the complexity of imaging technologies and variations in sample products, leading to uncertainties and difficulties in accurately capturing real-time fluid advancement, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus is developed to simulate in vivo conditions using a fixture that applies bodily pressures and dynamic forces to a sample, allowing real-time imaging and analysis of fluid dynamics through CT scanning, with features like radiotransparency and movable parts to replicate human anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT scanning technology is used to image fluid dynamics in real-time, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging process into discrete time-point CT scans, capturing fluid dynamics at multiple moments rather than requiring continuous complex real-time imaging. This allows accurate measurement through sequential simple scans instead of one complex continuous scan.
Solution Approach 2:
A fixture with radiotransparent walls is introduced as an intermediary structure to hold the test sample. This fixture enables CT scanning by providing a radiotransparent environment that doesn't interfere with imaging, while simplifying the overall system compared to complex in vivo setups.
2Reliability
If in vivo set-ups are used to test fluid dynamics, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a simplified copy of in vivo conditions using a fixture that simulates bodily pressure and anatomical constraints. This copy captures essential physiological factors without requiring actual human subjects, dramatically reducing test organization time while maintaining reliability through controlled simulation of key in vivo parameters.
3Measurement precision
If successive CT scans are performed to capture fluid advancement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning and setup of the sample in the radiotransparent fixture before scanning begins. This preliminary action ensures that when sequential CT scans are performed, the sample is already in the optimal position, eliminating time delays for repositioning between scans and enabling continuous tracking of fluid advancement.
4Ease of operation
If radiotransparent fixtures are used to enable CT scanning, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture material parameters are specifically selected to be radiotransparent in the CT scanning energy range. By changing the material parameter (radiotransparency) rather than requiring complex geometric precision, the system enables easy CT scanning operation while maintaining manufacturability through material selection rather than precision manufacturing.
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
The apparatus provides accurate, real-time analysis of fluid dynamics in personal care products, overcoming uncertainties and reducing costs by simulating in vivo conditions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
CT scanning... determine a grayscale value that best represent those volumetric pixels (voxels) of reconstructed data sets that correspond to fluid entering a given sample
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for measuring fluid absorption and retention properties of various samples having one or more materials, layers and/or articles. The system includes an optically or radiographically transparent fixture. The system enables measuring voxels having a grayscale value that demonstrate a difference in fluid densities and thereby enable the study of fluid flow and movement within and/or amongst various materials and articles in real time.