Rheometer Probe with Integrated Feed System for Real-Time Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rheometric systems lack adequate methods for controlled dosing of additives during real-time measurements, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in rheological analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system that includes a rheometer with a probe, a material sample holder, a material feed system, and an accessory ring, allowing for controlled injections and evacuations of materials, enabling real-time chemical dosing and reaction monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional rheometric systems are used without integrated dosing capabilities, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate due to inability to perform controlled dosing during real-time measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dosing system (pump, feed implement, reservoir) with the rheometer measuring system into a single integrated apparatus. The feed implement is positioned to extend through the sample holder opening alongside the rheometer probe, allowing both dosing and measurement functions to operate simultaneously within the same system architecture, thereby achieving precise controlled dosing without requiring separate external dosing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The rheometer system is enhanced with multi-functionality by incorporating dosing, evacuation, and measurement capabilities into a single platform. The accessory ring design allows the same apparatus to perform multiple functions: holding the sample, receiving controlled doses of additives via the feed implement, and conducting rheological measurements via the probe, eliminating the need for separate dosing equipment
2Productivity
If manual dosing methods are used, then device complexity is lower, but productivity and measurement precision worsen due to sample-to-sample variability and time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the pump automatically delivers precise volumes of additive through the feed implement directly into the sample holder during the measurement process. The integrated design allows the rheometer to perform both dosing and measurement functions autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each dosing step, thereby achieving real-time productivity enhancement while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous dosing and measurement operations where the pump can deliver additives in controlled amounts during the rheological measurement process. The feed implement remains positioned in the sample holder throughout the experiment, allowing continuous addition of materials and real-time monitoring without interrupting the measurement flow, thus maintaining high productivity with minimal system complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If no feed implement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to perform controlled material transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing function is segmented into a separate feed implement component that can be independently positioned and controlled. The feed implement is distinct from the rheometer probe, allowing independent optimization of each function: the probe for measurement and the feed implement for precise material delivery. This segmentation enables controlled dosing precision while keeping the overall system modular and manageable in complexity
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
This solution enables precise and automated dosing of additives, allowing for continuous real-time rheological data collection, reducing sample-to-sample variability, and expanding the capabilities of laboratory rheometers.
Implementation Method 1
The pump can be operable to selectively transfer materials from the first material reservoir to the material sample holder via the feed implement
Implementation Method 2
The spindle is then rotated at a constant speed, and the torque required to maintain this rotation is measured. The level of torque is directly related to the resistance the fluid exerts against the spinning spindle. By measuring this torque and knowing the rotational speed of the spindle, the rotational rheometer can calculate the viscosity of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
They help determine a material's viscosity, revealing its resistance to flow, which is essential for maintaining product consistency in industries like food processing
Implementation Method 4
They assess a material's elasticity, indicating its ability to revert to its original shape after deformation, thus being crucial in fields like polymer manufacturing and the development of elastomers
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a rheometer probe, a material sample holder, a material feed system, and an accessory ring to perform rheometric experiments. The rheometer probe is configured to extend into the material sample holder to perform a rheological analysis on a material sample therein. The material feed system includes a first material reservoir, a feed implement, and a pump. The feed implement is fluidly coupled with the first material reservoir and positioned to extend into the material sample holder. The pump is operable to selectively transfer materials from the first material reservoir to the material sample holder via the feed implement. The accessory ring is positioned over the open end of the material sample holder and includes a first opening therethrough configured to support the rheometer probe and a second opening therethrough configured to support the feed implement.