Rheometer Non-Contact Volume Detection for Simultaneous Rheology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rheometers face challenges in accurately measuring volume changes and rheological parameters of material samples, particularly those with variable volumes, leading to inadequate determination of residual stresses and increased measurement time due to the need for separate measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that allow for non-contact detection of material sample surfaces to determine volume changes and rheological parameters simultaneously, using a rheometer with movable surfaces and a non-contact measuring device to record sample volume and shape information, enabling continuous monitoring and precise measurement of volume changes during testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate measurements and measurement setups are used for volume determination and rheological parameter measurement, then measurement precision for each parameter can be maintained, but measurement time increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume determination precisionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines volume determination and rheological parameter measurement into a single integrated measurement setup. The rheometer is equipped with both force control capabilities for rheological measurement and non-contact displacement sensors (optical or capacitive) for volume determination, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both parameter types from one material sample without requiring separate measurement procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rheometer device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can measure rheological parameters through force control while also determining volume changes through integrated non-contact displacement sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized measurement devices and procedures for volume determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate measurements and measurement setups are used for volume determination and rheological parameter measurement, then measurement precision for each parameter can be maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume determination precisionVSAvoidmeasurement setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines volume determination and rheological parameter measurement into a single integrated measurement setup. The rheometer is equipped with both force control capabilities for rheological measurement and non-contact displacement sensors (optical or capacitive) for volume determination, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both parameter types from one material sample without requiring separate measurement procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rheometer device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can measure rheological parameters through force control while also determining volume changes through integrated non-contact displacement sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized measurement devices and procedures for volume determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If non-contact detection is used for sample surface measurement, then measurement accuracy for volume changes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume change measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based displacement measurement with non-contact detection methods. Optical sensors (such as laser displacement sensors) or capacitive sensors are used to measure the position of the sample surface and piston without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and interference while providing high-resolution displacement data for volume determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If volume determination is performed with existing rheometers, then measurement setup is simplified, but volume measurement accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement setup simplicityVSAvoidvolume determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based displacement measurement with non-contact detection methods. Optical sensors (such as laser displacement sensors) or capacitive sensors are used to measure the position of the sample surface and piston without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and interference while providing high-resolution displacement data for volume determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces non-contact displacement sensors as intermediary measurement devices between the rheometer system and the sample. These sensors (optical or capacitive) act as mediators that can detect piston position and sample surface position without direct mechanical contact, enabling accurate volume determination while maintaining the simplicity of the rheometer setup

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

This approach enhances the accuracy of volume determination and rheological parameter measurement, allowing for simultaneous monitoring of volume changes and residual stresses, reducing measurement time and errors, and improving the quality of rheological investigations.

Implementation Method 1

non-contact detection of at least a partial area of a sample surface bridging the gap with a non-contact measuring device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4119922A1Device and method for investigating a material sample involving the determination of a sample volume measurement value
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP4119922A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4119922A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4119922A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for examining a material sample (18), comprising: - arranging the material sample (18) in a gap (16) between two surfaces (14), which are preferably encompassed by a rheometer, wherein the surfaces (14) are movable relative to each other along an axis of movement (B), and are movable relative to each other according to at least one further spatial degree of freedom in order to determine at least one material characteristic; - non-contact detection of at least a partial area of ​​a sample surface (22) bridging the gap (16) with a non-contact measuring device (24); - determining a sample volume measurement value (V) based on measurement information obtained by the non-contact detection.