Rheological Probe Unit for In-Situ Viscosity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring rheological properties of substances, such as concrete and fluids, in rotating containers face challenges due to limitations in monitoring viscosity and yield without external communication and sample removal, particularly in harsh environments like mixers.
Innovation Solution
A rheological probe unit with a base mounted in a cylindrical container, featuring a resistance member, force sensor, speed sensor, and electronic module that calculates rheological properties like viscosity and yield by measuring resistance pressure and movement speed within the container, allowing for wireless data transmission and self-powering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stand-alone probe with force sensor and speed sensor is used in a rotating container, then measurement precision of rheological properties is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (force sensing, speed sensing, and rheological calculation) into a single integrated probe unit. The force sensor and speed sensor are merged within the same probe structure, and the electronic module integrates data processing and rheological property calculation, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs force measurement, speed measurement, and rheological property calculation. The electronic module serves multiple purposes: processing force sensor data, processing speed sensor data, and calculating rheological properties from both data sources, making the device versatile and reducing the need for multiple specialized instruments.
2Productivity
If continuous monitoring is implemented in a rotating container, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to wireless communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed as a self-contained, self-powered unit with an integrated power source that operates independently within the rotating container. It performs self-diagnosis and self-monitoring of its own functional elements, eliminating the need for external power supplies, communication infrastructure, or manual intervention, thereby enabling continuous monitoring without adding communication system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex wireless communication and external power transmission systems with a self-powered design using onboard power sources (such as piezoelectric elements or batteries). This substitution eliminates the need for wireless power transfer and complex communication protocols, simplifying the device while enabling continuous operation and monitoring.
3Loss of time
If sample removal is eliminated for rheological analysis, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The probe introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using non-contact or minimal-contact sensing methods (such as magnetic coupling or capacitive sensing) to measure rheological properties without physically removing the sample. This intermediary technique allows in-situ measurement, eliminating sample removal time while maintaining measurement precision through indirect but accurate sensing of material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sample removal and external analysis methods with in-situ sensing technologies that measure rheological properties directly within the container. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming sample transfer process while maintaining or improving measurement precision through continuous, real-time data collection from the actual process environment.
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 continuous, non-invasive monitoring of rheological properties within rotating containers, improving accuracy and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for sample removal and external communication.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor adapted to provide force values indicative of the resistance pressure at given points in time
Implementation Method 2
a speed sensor adapted to provide speed values indicative of the speed at which the resistance member is moved in the substance at given points in time
Implementation Method 3
a deformation sensor mounted to the deformation portion for providing a value indicative of the resistance pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a probe for determining rheological property of a fluid contained in a recipient comprising: an inner member holding a load cell; an outer member submittable to a pressure applied by the fluid and adapted to transfer a force resulting from said pressure to the inner member and deform the load cell, the load cell providing an indication of a value of said deformation; a base connected to the inner member; a position sensor to provide an indication of a position of the probe; an electronic module in electronic communication with the load cell and the position sensor and having a processing unit to determine a speed value of the probe based on said indication of a position and to determine the rheological property based on the speed value of the probe and the value of the deformation; wherein said rheological property is determined when the probe is displaced in the fluid and without having to remove a sample of fluid from the recipient.