Floating Magnetic Rotor Viscosity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring viscosity and elasticity require large sample amounts, are limited in precision for materials with low viscosity coefficients, and are restricted in miniaturization, especially for non-transparent or colloidal samples, due to issues like friction, light scattering, and device size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A viscosity/elasticity measurement device featuring a floating conductor rotor within a container, rotated by a magnetic field, allowing for precise measurement of low viscosity materials without contact with the container walls, enabling reduced sample amounts and device size, and accommodating non-transparent samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional viscosity measurement methods (methods 2-5) are used, then measurement precision can be achieved for high viscosity materials, but measurement is impossible for materials with viscosity coefficient less than 10 cP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical contact-based viscosity measurement systems with a magnetic field-based system. A magnetic rotor rotates within the sample material without mechanical contact to container walls, eliminating friction errors that limited previous methods' ability to measure low viscosity materials accurately. The magnetic coupling allows torque transmission without physical contact, enabling precise measurement of materials with viscosity coefficients below 10 cP.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the rotation mechanism and the sample material. The magnetic rotor is driven by magnetic fields generated by magnets positioned outside the container, allowing rotation without mechanical contact. This intermediary magnetic field transmission mechanism eliminates the need for direct mechanical contact that caused friction errors in conventional methods.
2Measurement precision
If light transmission methods are used for rotor observation, then rotation can be detected, but non-transparent samples cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent attaches a reflective marker to the magnetic rotor that changes its optical properties during rotation. The marker reflects light in a pattern that can be detected by external sensors, allowing rotation detection without transmitting light through the sample. This approach works with both transparent and non-transparent samples, as the marker's reflective properties are observable from above the sample surface.
3Measurement precision
If rotor rotation is observed using laser scattering, then rotation can be detected, but colloidal and slurry samples cannot be measured due to strong light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection methods that rely on light transmission and scattering with a magnetic field-based rotation detection system. The magnetic rotor's rotation is detected by monitoring changes in magnetic field patterns or using external magnetic sensors, eliminating the need for light to pass through or scatter off the sample. This approach completely avoids the light scattering interference problem that prevented measurement of colloidal and slurry samples.
4Ease of operation
If a magnet is rotated along the sidewall to generate rotational magnetic field, then the rotor can be rotated, but the device size increases due to required outer circumferential space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the magnets from the sidewall to the bottom of the container, changing the spatial dimension of magnetic field generation. Instead of rotating magnets along the vertical sidewall (requiring horizontal space), the magnets are placed on the horizontal bottom surface, rotating in a plane that minimizes the required device footprint. This dimensional repositioning reduces the outer circumferential space requirement while maintaining the rotational magnetic field generation capability.
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 measurement of low viscosity coefficients with reduced sample amounts and device size, overcoming previous limitations in precision and miniaturization, particularly for materials with viscosities less than 10 cP and non-transparent samples.
Implementation Method 1
induce an induction current in the conductor in the floating rotor, and apply rotational torque to the floating rotor to rotate the floating rotor by Lorentz interaction between the induction current and the magnetic field applied to the floating rotor
Implementation Method 2
induce an induction current in the conductor in the floating rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A viscosity/elasticity measurement device includes a container for containing a measurement target material for detection of viscosity/elasticity is contained, a floating rotor made of material including a conductor, formed in a plate and circular shape when seen in plan view, and configured to be floated on a surface of the measurement target material, a magnet applying a magnetic field to the floating rotor in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the measurement target material, a rotational magnetic field control unit driving the magnet to apply a rotational magnetic field to the floating rotor, inducing an induction current in the conductor, and applying rotational torque to the floating rotor to rotate by Lorentz interaction between the induction current and the magnetic field applied to the floating rotor, and a viscosity detection unit detecting the viscosity/elasticity of the measurement target material based on a rotation state of the floating rotor.