Lensless Microviscometer for Non-Newtonian Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting fluid properties like viscosity and shear rate are limited in accuracy and cost-effectiveness, particularly when dealing with non-Newtonian fluids, and lack efficient means for characterizing small fluid samples in research and pharmaceutical settings.
Innovation Solution
A lensless viscometer system using multiple tubes with different cross-sectional areas and optical detectors to compute viscosity and shear rate, incorporating calibration storage and pressure transducers for accurate measurements, and a method involving a syringe body with a plunger and force measurement gauge for viscosity computation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple tubes with different cross-sectional areas are used to measure viscosity, then measurement accuracy for non-Newtonian fluids is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple measurement channels, each with a tube of different cross-sectional area. This allows simultaneous measurement of viscosity under different flow conditions, enabling accurate characterization of non-Newtonian fluids while maintaining a modular, manageable structure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tubes with different cross-sectional areas serve universal measurement functions by allowing the same detector system to measure viscosity across a range of shear rates. This multi-functional approach improves measurement accuracy without requiring entirely separate measurement systems
2Ease of manufacture
If lensless detection is used, then cost is reduced and simplicity is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical lens system is replaced with a lensless detection architecture where the detector array directly images the tube contents. This substitution eliminates costly and complex optical components while maintaining sufficient measurement precision through computational methods and optimized detector positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the tube structure and fluid properties themselves to enable measurement without additional optical components. The refractive index differences and natural light scattering in the fluid provide sufficient contrast for image acquisition and viscosity computation without requiring lenses or complex optics
3Quantity of substance
If small sample volumes are measured, then sample consumption is reduced, but measurement accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is nested at the micro-scale with tubes and detector elements sized to match small sample volumes. This nested microfluidic architecture allows accurate viscosity measurements in extremely small volumes by matching the measurement scale to the sample scale, preventing signal loss while minimizing sample consumption
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 system provides high accuracy and cost-effectiveness in measuring fluid properties, including non-Newtonian fluids, and enables quick characterization of small samples, enhancing research and quality control in pharmaceuticals.
Implementation Method 1
a source of fluid pressure, a first tube having an inside volume that is hydraulically responsive to the source of fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
a first array of optical detectors positioned along a length of the first tube with a plurality of its detectors optically responsive to the inside volume of the first tube
Data Source
AI summary
Viscometers and viscometry methods are disclosed. In one general aspect, a fluid is driven through capillary tubes with different inside volumes, and successive images of the fluid are acquired as it advances through the inside volume of the capillary tubes. A range of different viscosity values of the fluid are derived from the successive acquired images, and results of this step are reported in a manner that provides insight into non-Newtonian effects in the fluid. In another general aspect, a viscosity value is selected based on detected pressure levels.