In-situ Micro-viscometry Device for Broad Frequency Material Property Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for measuring property changes such as chemical cure rate, tack change, and mass loss are limited to a narrow frequency range of 20 kilohertz to 200 kilohertz, failing to capture processes and properties outside this time scale, which are crucial for quality control in various industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing in-situ micro-viscometry with an actuator and sensor pair, where the sensor and actuator are equipped with magnets of opposite or same polarities, allowing for secure positioning and measurement of material properties over a broader frequency range of 0.02 hertz to 20 kilohertz, enabling quick and accurate assessment of physical and chemical changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current devices operate at a narrow frequency range of 20 kilohertz to 200 kilohertz, then measurement precision is maintained within this range, but the device cannot capture processes and properties outside this time scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the measurement device from a narrow range (20-200 kHz) to a broad range (0.02 Hz to 20 kHz). This parameter change enables the device to capture diverse material properties and processes that occur at different time scales, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision by maintaining accurate measurements across the expanded frequency spectrum
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is designed to perform multiple measurement functions across a wide frequency range, making it universal for measuring different material properties (chemical cure rate, tack change, mass loss, viscoelastic properties) that occur at various time scales. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining measurement precision for each specific application
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device operates over a broad frequency range of 0.02 hertz to 20 kilohertz, then adaptability to measure diverse processes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a magnetic field-based measurement system. By using magnetic fields to induce and detect oscillations across a broad frequency range, the device achieves wide adaptability without requiring complex mechanical components for each frequency band, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining broad frequency coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the actuator and the material being measured. This magnetic field intermediary enables the transmission of oscillatory energy across a wide frequency range without requiring direct mechanical coupling for each frequency, simplifying the device structure while achieving broad frequency adaptability
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 device provides comprehensive and rapid measurement of material properties, including chemical cure rate, mass loss, and viscoelastic changes, across a wide range of frequencies, suitable for diverse materials and operational temperatures, enhancing quality control and process monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The device utilizes in-situ micro-viscometry with an actuator and sensor pair, where the sensor and actuator are equipped with magnets of opposite or same polarities
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to devices for measuring property changes via in-situ micro-viscometry and methods of using same. The aforementioned device is inexpensive and can be used to quickly and accurately measure numerous physical and chemical property changes, including but not limited to the rate of chemical cure, change in tack, and rate of mass loss, for example, rate of moisture, solvent and/or plasticizer change.