Magnetic Needle Interfacial Shear Rheometer Oscillatory Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current magnetic needle interfacial shear rheometers face challenges in ease of use, particularly in initial needle positioning and maintaining the needle within the camera's field of view, and have limitations in resolution for measuring films with low dynamic moduli, which restricts the study of diluted films and films with high viscosity or elasticity.

Innovation Solution

A new magnetic needle interfacial shear rheometer system uses two permanent magnets with oscillatory motion to create a harmonic potential well, allowing precise control of needle positioning and orientation, and generates higher magnetic forces, eliminating the need for static potential wells and coil-based systems, thereby improving resolution and measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If traditional coil-based magnetic field systems are used, then the system structure is simpler, but the magnetic force generated is insufficient and positioning precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic forceVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional coil-based electromagnetic system with a permanent magnet system. The permanent magnets are mounted on a movable platform that can be precisely positioned, substituting the need for complex coil assemblies and current control systems. This mechanical substitution enables stronger magnetic forces while simplifying the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a movable platform that can dynamically adjust the position of permanent magnets along the channel axis. This dynamic positioning capability allows the magnetic field strength and distribution to be optimized in real-time, providing both strong magnetic force and precise positioning control without requiring complex static structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If static potential wells are used for needle positioning, then the needle can be held in position, but the resolution for measuring films with low dynamic moduli is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresolutionVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static potential wells with a dynamic magnetic field system. The movable platform carrying permanent magnets can be precisely positioned to create variable magnetic field gradients along the channel. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for fixed potential wells while providing both easy needle positioning and high measurement resolution through programmable field configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous adjustment of magnetic field parameters (strength, gradient, distribution) by changing the position of permanent magnets on the movable platform. This parameter variability allows optimization for different measurement conditions, achieving both ease of operation and high precision for films with low dynamic moduli.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the needle diameter is reduced to decrease contact area with subphase, then friction from contact line becomes more distinguishable, but the needle requires stronger magnetic fields to induce movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction detectionVSAvoidmagnetic force requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The movable platform with permanent magnets provides dynamically adjustable magnetic field strength. When using smaller diameter needles that require stronger magnetic fields, the system can increase the magnetic force by adjusting magnet positions or selecting appropriate magnet configurations, thereby maintaining both low friction detection capability and sufficient driving force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Force

If larger diameter needles are used, then stronger magnetic forces can be applied, but the inertia increases and contact area with subphase increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic force applicationVSAvoidneedle inertia
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic magnetic field system allows flexible adaptation to different needle sizes. For larger diameter needles with higher inertia, the system can provide stronger magnetic forces through adjusted magnet positioning, while the permanent magnet configuration maintains efficiency. The movable platform enables optimization of magnetic field distribution to match the specific inertia characteristics of different needles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances user experience by ensuring precise initial positioning and orientation of the needle, increases measurement resolution, especially at low frequencies, and allows for the study of films with low interfacial viscosity, enabling the characterization of films with complex mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

two permanent magnets with magnetization axes perpendicular to said plane... creating a harmonic potential well

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

magnetic needle... moved by magnetic fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

an oscillatory force is exerted on such needle through an oscillatory magnetic field. This magnetic force transmits a stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3330695B1Magnetic needle interfacial shear rheometer and system and method for actuating same
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 UNIV NACIONAL DE EDUCACION A DISTANCIA
  • EP3330695B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3330695B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3330695B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a magnetic needle interfacial shear rheometer, and to a system and method for actuating same. The system for actuating the needle of the magnetic needle interfacial shear rheometer comprises: two permanent magnets (13) with axes of magnetisation perpendicular to the plane of the interface on which the magnetic needle (3) of the rheometer (30) is situated. The magnets (13) are located at the same distance (h) from the plane and with the polarities of each inverted with respect to the other. The actuating system also comprises actuating means (15) to displace the magnets (13) in an oscillatory manner at a frequency ω in a longitudinal direction parallel to the plane of the interface, keeping the distance (d) between the magnets constant. Among other advantages, the present invention allows very precise initial positioning of the needle (3), as well as perfect characterisation of the rheological properties of thin films at low frequencies.