Viscosity Measurement Through Optical Capillary Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viscosity measuring equipment is large, expensive, requires significant training, and has lengthy cleaning times between tests, posing challenges in efficiency and safety, especially for hazardous substances like blood plasma.
Innovation Solution
A removable viscosity testing module with a ducting arrangement and optical sensors to measure time for fluid to pass between calibrated reference points, using a syringe to cause fluid flow, and a controller to calculate viscosity, with a disposable capillary module card for each test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional viscosity measuring equipment is used, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical viscosity measurement systems with an optical detection system. Instead of using traditional mechanical viscometers that require moving parts and complex mechanisms, the invention uses optical sensors to detect fluid flow characteristics through a simple capillary channel, thereby achieving accurate viscosity measurement while dramatically simplifying the device structure and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical force measurement to optical detection of flow characteristics. By measuring the time for fluid to traverse a known distance through a capillary channel under controlled conditions, and detecting this via optical means, the system achieves viscosity measurement through parameter transformation that simplifies the overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If cleaning processes are implemented between tests, then contamination is prevented, but testing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable capillary module card that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for cleaning between tests entirely, as each new test uses a fresh, sterile capillary channel. The low cost of the disposable card makes this approach economically viable while completely preventing test fluid carry-over and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the testing system into reusable components and disposable components. The main apparatus housing and control systems are reused, while the capillary module card is disposable. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through complete isolation of test fluids while minimizing time loss by eliminating cleaning requirements for the disposable portion.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning operations are performed, then contamination is controlled, but operator labor and exposure to hazardous substances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable capillary module card eliminates manual cleaning operations entirely. Each card is pre-packaged and sterile, requiring no handling or cleaning by operators. After use, the entire card is discarded as medical waste, completely preventing operator exposure to hazardous test substances while maintaining decontamination effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the contamination risk from the reusable system by placing it in a disposable component. The capillary module card is designed to contain all potential contamination sources, allowing the main apparatus to remain clean and reusable. This extraction of the hazardous element into a disposable format protects operators while ensuring decontamination.
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
Facilitates accurate, rapid viscosity measurements without extensive cleaning, reducing operator labor and hazardous substance exposure, and enabling efficient use in clinical and industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
a syringe to cause fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
optical sensors to measure time for fluid to pass between calibrated reference points
Data Source
AI summary
A viscosity measuring apparatus comprising a removable viscosity testing module and a viscosity testing apparatus. The removable viscosity testing module comprises a ducting arrangement having a first portion for receiving the fluid and a second portion fluidly connected to the first portion. The viscosity testing apparatus further comprises means for causing the fluid to pass along the ducting arrangement between the first and second portions. The ducting arrangement comprises a first reference point, and a second reference point disposed downstream of the first reference point, the first and second reference points being separated by a fixed, calibrated distance along the ducting arrangement. The apparatus further comprises detecting means for detecting when the fluid reaches at least one of the first and second reference points, and a timer for determining the time taken for the fluid to pass from the first reference point to the second reference point.