Droplet Observation for Continuous Curing Viscosity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring viscosity and surface tension of reaction liquids, such as resins and binders, are limited by discrete measurements that miss critical variations and require significant sample quantities and time, making it difficult to capture the continuity of dynamic changes during the curing process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving controlling a droplet to drop from a preset height, measuring droplet density and tip characteristics, and calculating viscosity and surface tension based on inertial and viscous forces, using an apparatus with a droplet injection component, supporting component, and acquisition component to monitor droplet changes in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete measurement methods are used for viscosity and surface tension, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and ability to capture critical variations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (viscosity measurement, surface tension measurement, and high-speed imaging) into a single integrated droplet observation system. The high-speed camera captures both the droplet formation process and the impact dynamics, allowing simultaneous extraction of multiple parameters from one experimental setup, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light spot sensor as an intermediary marker on the substrate to precisely mark the droplet impact position. This intermediary element enables accurate spatial reference for high-speed camera imaging, improving the precision of droplet parameter measurement (impact velocity, spread radius) without requiring complex positioning systems
2Measurement precision
If discrete measurements at fixed time points are performed, then experimental setup simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and ability to capture dynamic changes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-speed camera imaging to capture droplet dynamics at multiple continuous time points during the impact and spreading process. This periodic sampling at high frequency (thousands of frames per second) transforms the discrete measurement approach into a continuous observation method, capturing critical transient variations in droplet morphology and enabling precise calculation of dynamic parameters like impact velocity and spreading rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuous measurement of droplet parameters by maintaining high-speed imaging throughout the entire droplet impact and spreading process. The continuous capture of droplet morphology evolution allows for precise determination of viscosity and surface tension changes over time, eliminating the time loss associated with resetting between discrete measurements while maintaining measurement precision
3Reliability
If multiple liquid samples are required for discrete measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but quantity of substance required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement objectives (viscosity determination, surface tension determination, impact velocity measurement) into a single droplet observation experiment. By extracting multiple parameters from the same droplet impact event through high-speed imaging analysis, the system achieves reliable measurements of liquid properties without requiring multiple separate samples, thereby reducing the total quantity of substance needed while maintaining measurement reliability
4Productivity
If traditional discrete measurement methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated image analysis algorithms that automatically extract droplet parameters (impact velocity, spread radius, contact angle) from high-speed camera images. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual measurement and calculation, significantly improving productivity by enabling rapid processing of multiple droplet events without proportionally increasing operational complexity. The system automatically processes images to determine viscosity and surface tension, reducing the skill level required for operation while maintaining high 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 continuous and accurate measurement of viscosity and surface tension changes during the curing process, reducing measurement time and resource use by integrating synthesis, transportation, and measurement, while avoiding issues of droplet solidification.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a droplet to drop from a preset height
Implementation Method 2
a first light source emitter, in which a dripping direction of the droplet is the same as a light emitting direction of first light emitted by the first light source emitter
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring a liquid flow property is provided. The method includes controlling a droplet to drop from a preset height to a substrate, acquiring a droplet density on the substrate, a maximum radius of a tip of the droplet, a real-time height of the tip, an initial height of the tip, and a testing duration from a beginning of the droplet to fall on the substrate to an end of a test, determining that influencing factors of the tip of the droplet comprise inertial force and viscous force, and the inertial force is equal to the viscous force, and calculating a calculated viscosity of the droplet, wherein the calculated viscosity of the droplet is related to a first calculation coefficient, the droplet density, the maximum radius of the tip and the initial height of the tip, and the first calculation coefficient is equal to a ratio of a tip height change value to the testing duration, wherein the tip height change value is a difference between the initial height of the tip and the real-time height of the tip.