Rheometric Optical Encoder Background Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rheometer systems face challenges in accurately measuring optical properties of fluids due to unwanted background interference from non-uniform optical plates, which complicates the determination of fluid optical properties like dichroism and birefringence during rotational measurements.
Innovation Solution
A rheometric system equipped with an optical encoder to track the rotational position of the shaft and a method for point-by-point measurement of both background and experimental fluid sample optical data, allowing for precise subtraction of background contributions from the optical plate, thereby isolating the fluid's optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a background optical measurement is performed at a fixed point on the optical plate to account for signal attenuation, then the background contribution can be subtracted from experimental measurements, but the non-uniformity of the rotating optical plate causes the background measurement to be unrepresentative of the actual measurement conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical plate measurement into multiple discrete points around its circumference. Instead of taking a single background measurement at one location, the system performs background measurements at numerous equally-spaced points (e.g., 0°, 10°, 20°, ... 350°) around the optical plate. This segmentation allows each point's background contribution to be individually characterized and later subtracted from corresponding experimental measurements, resolving the issue of non-representative single-point background measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs background measurements at all discrete points around the optical plate before conducting the actual experimental measurements. By预先 (in advance) characterizing the background optical properties at each location, the system prepares a complete background correction map that can be applied during subsequent experimental runs, ensuring that background interference is accurately accounted for without compromising measurement reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical plate rotates during measurement to induce shear in the fluid, then rheometric measurements can be performed, but the non-uniform optical properties of different plate portions cause variation in the optical signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotational measurement into discrete angular positions. By measuring background optical properties at multiple equally-spaced points around the optical plate's circumference, the system creates a detailed map of optical variations. During actual rheometric measurements, the corresponding background values from each angular position are subtracted from the experimental optical signals, thereby eliminating the detrimental effects of plate non-uniformity while preserving the ability to perform rotational rheometric measurements.
3Measurement precision
If point-by-point mapping of rotational position to optical data is implemented, then background corrections can be accurately applied, but the system complexity increases due to the need for optical encoder and data mapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical encoder as an intermediary device that tracks the rotational position of the optical plate. This encoder provides angular position information that serves as a mediator between the mechanical rotation and the optical measurement system. The encoder data is used to map experimental optical measurements to their corresponding background measurements, enabling accurate background subtraction while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
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 enables more sensitive and accurate optical data collection by accounting for the optical plate's non-uniformities, enhancing the measurement of fluid properties such as dichroism and birefringence by correcting for background interference.
Implementation Method 1
When laser light passes through rotating plate 106 and fluid 108, the optical signal, or change in optical signal can be used to determine certain fluid optical properties
Implementation Method 2
an optical encoder coupled to a rotating shaft. The encoder is configured to detect a rotational position of the shaft with respect to a reference position
Data Source
AI summary
A rheometric system includes an optical encoder coupled to a rotating shaft and configured to detect a rotational position of the shaft with respect to a reference. The rotational information is forwarded to a program or memory. An optical rotation plate is mechanically fastenable to the rotating shaft. A laser is provided to probe optical properties of a fluid sample proximate to the optical rotation plate. The system includes a detector system for measuring laser light scattered or transmitted through the sample chamber. The detector system is coupled to a memory that stores optical data collected after light impinges on the optical plate. Experimental fluid sample optical data and background optical data are each stored as a data structure that creates a point by point map of rotational position of the sample plate with the optical data collected thereat. A program or routine is provided that can correct point by point along the optical rotation plate the experimental sample optical data using the background optical data.