Probe-Based Surface Layer Viscosity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the mechanical properties of liquids, such as rheometers and surface tensiometers, are limited to measuring properties of the entire liquid bulk and cannot effectively measure physical properties of a local region, particularly the surface layer of micro liquid droplets or thin films.
Innovation Solution
A physical property measurement method and device that utilize a probe to come into contact with the surface layer of a liquid or gel-like object, measuring the height of the object rising along the probe, and calculating the viscous or elastic properties of the surface layer based on this measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods (rheometer, capillary viscometer, surface tensiometer) are used, then mechanical properties of the entire liquid bulk can be obtained, but physical properties of the surface layer portion cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the liquid sample into two distinct measurement zones: the bulk liquid and the surface layer portion. By using a probe with a specific diameter (equal to or less than 1/3 of the liquid film thickness), the measurement is segmented to only affect and measure the surface layer, leaving the bulk liquid undisturbed. This segmentation enables independent measurement of surface layer properties without being influenced by bulk properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by designing a measurement system that specifically targets the surface layer portion with different properties than the bulk. The probe's small diameter and the controlled contact method create a localized measurement zone where only the surface layer's viscous or elastic properties are measured, giving different measurement characteristics to different regions of the same liquid sample.
2Measurement precision
If a probe contacts the surface layer portion of a liquid or gel-like object, then physical properties of the surface layer can be measured, but the measurement setup becomes more complex compared to bulk measurement methods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs self-service by allowing the liquid or gel-like object itself to rise along the probe due to capillary action or adhesion forces. This eliminates the need for complex external actuation mechanisms to deform or move the sample. The object's own properties drive the measurement process, simplifying the overall system while enabling precise surface layer measurement.
3Measurement precision
If the probe diameter is made small (equal to or less than 1/3 of surface layer thickness), then surface layer measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision of the probe becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies parameter changes by establishing a relative dimensional relationship rather than an absolute dimension. Instead of specifying a fixed probe diameter, the patent defines the probe diameter as equal to or less than 1/3 of the liquid film thickness. This parameter change allows the probe size to scale with the sample size, making manufacturing more feasible while maintaining measurement 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 the easy measurement of physical properties of the surface layer portion of an object, providing accurate data on viscous or elastic properties that were previously inaccessible with existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a height of the object rising along the probe in contact with the object
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a physical property measurement method, a physical property measurement device, and a probe that can simply measure physical properties of a surface layer portion of an object. A physical property measurement method includes a step of bringing a probe into contact with a surface layer portion of a liquid or gel-like object and maintaining a contact state, a step of measuring a height of the object rising along the probe in contact with the object, and a step of calculating viscous properties or elastic properties of the surface layer portion of the object using the measured height of the object rising along the probe.