Heater Positioning for Distillation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for standardized liquid distillation tests are prone to user errors when selecting the correct perforated plate, leading to incomplete or incorrect tests, increased time, and potential damage to equipment due to improper force application.
Innovation Solution
A device with an electrical travel system that automatically positions a heater with a perforated plate on a container, stopping when a predetermined pressure threshold is reached, ensuring precise and error-free placement and preventing excessive force on the gas piston.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual selection and placement of perforated plate is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to user errors in selecting wrong plate and applying excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the perforated plate type through sensor readings from decoding holes, selects the appropriate plate configuration, and positions it on the heater without manual intervention. The travel system self-regulates to apply correct force based on pressure sensors, eliminating user errors in plate selection and force application.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical selection and placement operations are replaced by an automated system combining sensors (optical/electrical) for plate identification, a travel system with motorized movement for positioning, and pressure sensors for force control. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with sensor-driven automation resolves the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Reliability
If automated travel system with pressure control is implemented, then reliability improves by preventing excessive force, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors provide real-time feedback on the force applied by the travel system to the perforated plate and container assembly. The control system monitors these pressure readings and automatically adjusts or stops the travel system movement when the predetermined pressure threshold is reached, preventing excessive force and equipment damage. This feedback mechanism enables reliable force control while managing system complexity through automated regulation.
3Productivity
If manual plate selection is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to test abortions and repeated setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the perforated plate type and verification of correct plate selection before initiating the distillation test. The travel system pre-positions the plate and applies preliminary pressure verification to ensure proper setup. This preliminary action prevents test abortions caused by incorrect plate selection, thereby improving productivity without significantly complicating operation.
4Measurement precision
If decoding sensors and automatic verification are added, then measurement precision improves by ensuring correct plate selection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex image recognition or visual inspection systems, the patent employs a simplified sensing approach where sensors detect the presence or absence of decoding holes in the perforated plate. This creates a digital copy or representation of the plate type through binary sensor readings, enabling accurate plate identification with minimal complexity. The decoding pattern acts as a simplified information copy that the control system can easily interpret.
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 quick, reliable, and standardized distillation measurements by preventing incorrect plate placement and reducing the risk of equipment damage, thus ensuring accurate and efficient testing according to predefined standards.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (201), in particular an electric heating element, onto which the perforated plate (203) can be placed
Implementation Method 2
an, in particular electrical, travel system (210), which is designed to move the heater (201)
Implementation Method 3
a heating chamber with a heating element, a set of stills with stoppers and thermometers built therein, a set of insulating plates and means for controlling the heating
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A device (100) for preparing a distillation measurement of a liquid is provided, comprising: a heater (101) onto which a perforated plate (103, 203a) selected from a group of standardized perforated plates (203a, b, c, d) can be placed and which is designed to heat a container (105) containing the liquid (107) and placed on the perforated plate (103) for carrying out a standardized test to determine the evaporation properties of the liquid; a, in particular electrical, movement system (110) which is designed to move the heater (101) and to interrupt any further movement of the heater (101) if a contact force (F) of the perforated plate (103) placed on the heater (101) against the container (105) reaches a threshold value.