Magnetic Viscosity Measurement with Small Sample Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring viscosity and elasticity require large sample volumes, are limited to high-viscosity materials, and involve complex apparatuses, making it difficult to measure low-viscosity samples with precision and efficiency, especially when using disposable containers.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an electro-conductive rotor and magnetic field system that detects viscosity and elasticity by measuring rotation torque and frequency, allowing for precise measurements with a small sample volume using a simple, disposable container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional viscosity measurement methods are used, then measurement precision can be achieved for high-viscosity materials, but the sample volume required becomes large (several cc or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement systems (rotors, oscillators) with a magnetic field-based measurement system. The magnetic field interacts with the conductive sample material directly, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and large sample volumes, thereby achieving precise viscosity measurement with minimal sample quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical displacement or torque to electrical conductivity changes induced by magnetic field interaction. By measuring the change in electrical properties of the conductive sample under magnetic field influence, the system achieves accurate viscosity measurement with small sample volumes.
2Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used, then high-viscosity materials can be measured, but low-viscosity materials cannot be measured precisely (viscosity must be at least 10 cP or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement approach from mechanical resistance detection to electrical conductivity detection under magnetic field. This parameter change enables the system to detect viscosity across a wide range including low-viscosity materials, as electrical conductivity changes are detectable even in low-viscosity conductive fluids where mechanical methods fail.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical measurement systems with magnetic field-based electrical measurement, the patent eliminates the minimum viscosity threshold limitation. The magnetic field interaction with conductive materials provides detectable signals for low-viscosity substances that would be undetectable by mechanical oscillation or rotation methods.
3Measurement precision
If light-scattering method is used, then viscosity can be measured, but the apparatus becomes large and cannot measure non-transparent materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement systems with magnetic field-based electrical measurement systems. This substitution eliminates the need for transparent materials and reduces apparatus size, as magnetic fields penetrate all materials and the measurement is based on electrical conductivity changes rather than light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical properties (light scattering) to electrical properties (conductivity under magnetic field). This parameter change removes the transparency requirement entirely, enabling viscosity measurement of any material that exhibits electrical conductivity under magnetic field influence.
4Measurement precision
If rotation type viscometer is used, then viscosity can be measured, but the apparatus becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation systems with a magnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of physically rotating a rotor and measuring torque, the system uses magnetic field interaction with the conductive sample to induce electrical changes that correlate with viscosity, dramatically simplifying the apparatus structure and reducing size.
5Reliability
If disposable containers are used, then contamination risk is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for samples with viscosity smaller than 100 cP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems that are sensitive to container effects with magnetic field-based electrical measurement. This substitution enables accurate low-viscosity measurement in disposable containers, as the magnetic field interaction with conductive samples is not significantly affected by container material or residual contaminants.
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 the measurement of viscosity and elasticity across a wide range, from low to high viscosity, using a small sample volume with high precision and efficiency, eliminating the need for complex apparatuses and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet unit (magnets) that is arranged in the surrounding of the container and applies a magnetic field to the rotor; a rotation controlling unit that drives the magnet unit to applies a rotating magnetic field to the rotor so as to induce induced current in the rotor and rotate the rotor by providing the rotor with a rotation torque caused by Lorentz interaction between the induced current and the magnetic field applied to the rotor
Implementation Method 2
a dynamic property detection unit (viscosity/elasticity detection unit) that detects (determines) the viscosity and/or elasticity of the sample being in contact with the rotor based on the rotation torque and the rotational movement of the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of measuring viscosity and/or elasticity comprising: an electro-conductive rotor; a container that contains a sample and the rotor such that the rotor is arranged in the sample; a magnet unit that is arranged in the surrounding of the container and applies a magnetic field to the rotor; a rotation controlling unit that drives the magnet unit to apply a rotating magnetic field to the rotor so as to induce induced current in the rotor and rotate the rotor by providing the rotor with a rotation torque caused by Lorentz interaction between the induced current and the magnetic field applied to the rotor; a rotation detection unit that detects the rotation of the rotor; and a dynamic property detection unit that detects viscosity and/or elasticity of the sample being in contact with the rotor based on the rotation torque and the rotational movement.