Magnetic Coupler for Viscometer Bob Shaft Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching bobs to bob shafts in rotating viscometers are prone to human error, leading to issues like over-tightening, under-tightening, seizure, or the bob falling off, which can result in damage or safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A coupler system comprising an upper and lower assembly with a magnetic coupler and rotation connection, ensuring non-slipping rotational force transfer and secure attachment without the need for threading, thereby minimizing the risk of misalignment and damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If threading is used to attach the bob to the bob shaft, then the bob can be easily attached and detached for cleaning or replacement, but human error occurs leading to over-tightening or under-tightening which can cause seizure or bob detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of bob attachment and detachmentVSAvoidreliability of bob attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical threading system with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupler uses magnetic attraction forces to securely attach the bob to the bob shaft, eliminating the need for threading operations. This substitution removes the risk of over-tightening or under-tightening while maintaining easy attachment and detachment through simple magnetic engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical threading to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the attachment parameter instead of mechanical thread engagement, the system achieves reliable attachment without the human error associated with threading operations. The magnetic coupling provides consistent attachment force that is independent of operator skill level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the bob is over-tightened to the bob shaft, then secure attachment is achieved, but seizure of the bob to the bob shaft and damage to threading occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of bob attachmentVSAvoiddamage to bob and bob shaft threading

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical threading system that is susceptible to over-tightening damage. By using magnetic coupling, the attachment mechanism no longer involves threaded components that can be damaged. The magnetic force provides secure attachment without the concentrated stress points that lead to threading damage and seizure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the bob is under-tightened to the bob shaft, then easy installation is maintained, but the bob may release during operation causing safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of bob installationVSAvoidbob detachment and safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the threading system with magnetic coupling to eliminate the uncertainty of proper tightness. The magnetic coupling provides consistent and reliable attachment force that prevents bob detachment during operation while maintaining ease of installation through simple magnetic engagement without requiring precise tightening control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If a taper bore fit is used to attach the bob shaft to the hollow bob, then secure attachment is achieved, but the bob may fall off or rupture if fluid is trapped and heated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of bob attachmentVSAvoidbob rupture or explosion from trapped fluid

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the taper bore fit mechanical system with magnetic coupling. This substitution eliminates the risk of fluid entrapment within the fit interface that could lead to pressure buildup and rupture. The magnetic coupling provides secure attachment without creating enclosed spaces where fluid could be trapped and heated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 coupler system provides a secure and reliable attachment method that prevents slippage and damage during operation, ensuring accurate rotational force transfer and reducing the risk of bob detachment or damage.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic coupler maintains contact of the lower assembly with the upper assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The rotation connection rotationally couples the upper assembly and the lower assembly to provide non-slipping transfer of rotational force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8763776B2Coupler for viscometer bob shaft

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 OFI TESTING EQUIPMENT INC

AI summary

A coupler for attaching a lower segment of a viscometer bob shaft to an upper segment of a viscometer bob shaft includes an upper assembly connected to the upper segment, a lower assembly connected to the lower segment, a magnetic coupler, and a rotation connection.