Polymer Swelling Test Device With Automated Mass Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring the swelling capacity of hydrogels and other polymers are time-consuming, prone to human error, and provide imprecise results due to reliance on manual measurements and indirect volume-based calculations, which do not account for the polymer's pore structure.

Innovation Solution

A test device that automatically measures liquid absorption capacity on a mass basis using a balance, container, sample housing, sliding member, framework, cover, and electronic device, enabling precise mass-based measurements by immersing and removing the sample at predetermined intervals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual mass measurement is performed at frequent intervals, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswelling capacity measurement precisionVSAvoidtest duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an automated balance that can independently perform mass measurements without human intervention. The balance automatically records mass changes of the hydrogel sample at predetermined intervals, eliminating the need for manual measurement while maintaining frequent measurement capability, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with an automated electronic balance system. The electronic balance automatically measures mass changes and records data, substituting the manual process with an automated one that can operate continuously without human intervention, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual measurement operations are performed, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidmass measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The automated balance system performs measurements independently without human intervention, eliminating errors associated with manual operation. The system self-records mass data at predetermined intervals, ensuring consistent and precise measurements while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically records and monitors mass changes over time, providing feedback data that tracks the swelling process. This automated feedback mechanism ensures consistent measurement timing and data recording, improving measurement precision while keeping the overall system design simple and straightforward

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If volume-based measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to indirect measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidliquid absorption capacity measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces indirect volume-based measurement with direct mass-based measurement using an automated balance. This substitution provides more accurate data on liquid absorption capacity by directly measuring mass changes rather than inferring from volume changes, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining simple device architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated balance acts as an intermediary measurement tool that directly measures mass changes of the hydrogel sample. This intermediary device provides precise mass data without requiring complex volumetric measurements or indirect calculations, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces human error and time consumption, providing accurate and efficient mass-based measurements of polymer swelling capacity, eliminating the need for manual intervention and indirect volume-based calculations.

Implementation Method 1

mass-based measurement of hydrogel and other non-superabsorbent materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMass measurement: Balance

Implementation Method 2

hydrogels are polymers exhibiting high level of swelling property

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

swelling property which is the most important property of hydrogels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250321173A1A test device for measuing liquid absorption capacity

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 ACIBADEM MEHMET ALI AYDINLAR UNIVSI

AI summary

The present invention relates to a test device for measuring liquid absorption (swelling) capacity of polymers on a mass basis automatically.