Handheld Consistometer In-Situ Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the consistency or viscosity of materials require removing samples from their original environment, leading to potential temperature-dependent errors due to changes during transportation and testing.
Innovation Solution
A handheld consistometer with a specially shaped tip and force sensor, integrated with a temperature sensor and non-contact distance sensor, allows for in-situ measurements by controlling penetration speed and recording temperature at the point of measurement, enabling consistent and accurate readings without sample removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If samples are removed from their original environment for testing, then measurements can be taken on bench top instruments, but temperature changes during transportation cause erroneous readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a portable handheld consistometer as an intermediary device that can be brought to the product location. This eliminates the need to transport samples to laboratory equipment, thereby maintaining product temperature stability while achieving accurate consistency measurements through integrated sensors and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical bench top instruments with a portable electronic device containing force sensors, distance sensors, and microprocessors. This substitution enables in-situ measurements without sample transportation, preserving temperature conditions while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If penetration speed varies during measurement, then insertion force readings change, but this introduces variability and reduces measurement repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a distance sensor that provides real-time feedback on tip penetration depth. The microprocessor monitors this data and provides feedback to the operator to maintain consistent penetration speed, thereby ensuring repeatable insertion force measurements while adapting to varying material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic adjustment of penetration parameters through electronic control. The system adapts penetration speed based on real-time distance measurements and material response, maintaining optimal measurement conditions while compensating for variations in product consistency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a handheld device with electronic sensors and memory is created, then in-situ measurements can be taken, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (force sensing, distance measurement, temperature monitoring, data storage, and processing) into a single integrated handheld device. This merging enables versatile in-situ measurements while managing complexity through unified design rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal handheld consistometer that can measure multiple parameters (force, distance, temperature) and adapt to different measurement scenarios. This multi-functionality achieves versatility for various in-situ applications while using a single device platform.
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 solution provides repeatable and accurate consistency measurements by maintaining consistent penetration speed and accounting for temperature variations, allowing for on-site testing in various environments such as mixing vats, storage containers, and production lines.
Implementation Method 1
The other end of this shaft is attached to a force sensor and electronic circuit to measure and display readings
Implementation Method 2
In a particular embodiment, the electronic circuit is attached to a non-contact distance sensor that provides readings of the penetration depth into the product being measured
Implementation Method 3
Embodiments of the invention further incorporate a temperature sensor near the specially shaped tip to allow the electronic circuit to measure and record the temperature of the product being tested at the depth of penetration
Data Source
AI summary
A portable handheld consistometer that includes a probe having a shaft and a probe tip attached to a first end of the shaft. In an embodiment, the probe tip has a cross-sectional area greater than that of the shaft, the probe configured to be inserted into a material to measure the consistency thereof. In an embodiment, a force sensor is attached to a second end of the shaft opposite the first end. The force sensor is coupled to processing circuitry, and is configured to measure the force with which the probe tip penetrates the material. In an embodiment, a distance sensor is coupled to the processing circuitry. The distance sensor is configured to measure the distance that the probe tip penetrates into the material. Further; the handheld consistometer includes a display screen coupled to the processing circuitry and configured to display the results of consistency measurements.