In-situ Micro-viscometer for Broad Frequency Cure Monitoring
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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 that operate on different time scales, thus not being sufficient for various industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A device capable of operating on a broader frequency range of 0.02 hertz to 20 kilohertz, utilizing an actuator and sensor with magnetic components and an alternating current signal source, allowing for in-situ micro-viscometry measurements of physical and chemical property changes, including rate of chemical cure, tack change, and mass loss, with optional fixtures for secure positioning based on magnet polarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current devices operate at a narrow frequency range of 20 kHz to 200 kHz, then they can maintain simple device structure, but they fail to capture processes that operate on different time scales
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic frequency adjustment capability, allowing operation from 0.02 Hz to 20 kHz. The actuator and sensor system can adapt its operating frequency based on the specific measurement requirements, enabling capture of both slow chemical cure processes and faster mechanical responses within a single device framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple measurement capabilities into a single system that can measure chemical cure rate, tack change, mass loss, and other viscoelastic properties across a broad frequency spectrum. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining measurement accuracy across diverse industrial processes.
2Measurement precision
If the device operates on a broader frequency range of 0.02 Hz to 20 kHz, then it can measure various property changes accurately, but it requires more complex actuator and sensor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the actuator and sensor into an integrated system where the actuator induces oscillatory deformation and the sensor measures the response within the same measurement cell. This merging reduces the number of separate components and interfaces, simplifying the overall system while maintaining broad frequency measurement capability and high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a carefully designed test specimen geometry and mounting mechanism as an intermediary between the actuator and sensor. This intermediary ensures uniform stress distribution and accurate signal transmission across the broad frequency range, maintaining measurement precision without requiring overly complex actuator or sensor designs.
3Productivity
If the device is designed for quick and accurate measurement of property changes, then measurement speed improves, but the device size and power requirements may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested arrangement where the sensor is positioned within or adjacent to the actuator assembly, and the test specimen is clamped between them in a compact configuration. This nesting minimizes the overall device footprint and weight while maintaining the capability for quick, accurate measurements across the full frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the test specimen itself as part of the measurement mechanism, where the specimen's viscoelastic response directly modulates the sensor signal. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional complex measurement mechanisms, reducing device size and power requirements while maintaining high measurement speed and accuracy.
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 quick and accurate measurement of various property changes across a wide range of frequencies, suitable for diverse materials and industrial processes, with the ability to operate at extended temperatures and minimal size, weight, and power requirements, facilitating flexible and precise viscoelastic property analysis.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an actuator and sensor with magnetic components and an alternating current signal source
Implementation Method 2
measuring the phase lag between a first and a second signal... measuring numerous physical and chemical property changes
Implementation Method 3
actuator and sensor with magnetic components and an alternating current signal source
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.