Schlieren Fluid Analysis System 3D Gradient Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analysis methods for micro total analysis systems are limited to either two-dimensional or costly, slow three-dimensional measurements, failing to provide comprehensive and efficient analysis of fluid properties in microfluidics.
Innovation Solution
A fluid analysis method and system that utilizes a schlieren image-detecting device and processing unit to capture and process schlieren images, correlating light intensity distributions with scalar property gradients, enabling the transformation of light intensity information into gradient distributions for both calibration and test fluids, thereby analyzing scalar properties in a three-dimensional flow field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If confocal laser scanning microscopy technique is used for three-dimensional measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases and scanning rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system of confocal laser microscopy with a digital image processing approach. Instead of physically scanning through z-layers with a laser, the invention captures the entire field of view with a camera and uses computational methods to extract three-dimensional information from schlieren images, achieving rapid full-field measurement without mechanical scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by capturing three-dimensional fluid property information through two-dimensional schlieren images. By using optical path length integration and image processing algorithms, the system derives 3D concentration or temperature distributions from 2D projected images, eliminating the need for slow volumetric scanning.
2Productivity
If conventional two-dimensional measurement methods are used, then cost is reduced, but measurement capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct 3D spatial resolution to optical path length integration. By measuring the integrated refractive index gradient along the optical path and using iterative reconstruction algorithms, the system retrieves three-dimensional fluid property distributions at a fraction of the cost of confocal microscopy, maintaining high cost efficiency while achieving 3D measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If schlieren image processing is used to obtain gradient distribution, then measurement capability is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calibration process that establishes a mapping between schlieren image intensity patterns and known gradient distributions. This calibration curve or lookup table serves as a mediator that simplifies subsequent measurements, allowing direct conversion from image intensity to gradient magnitude without solving complex inverse problems in real-time, thus reducing processing complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 method provides a novel, full-field, transient, and non-invasive measurement of heat and mass transfer in microfluidics, enhancing discernible details and surpassing existing methods by enabling three-dimensional analysis of fluid properties with high resolution.
Implementation Method 1
The light source provides a light beam. The objective lens is placed on the transmission path of the light beam.
Implementation Method 2
The gradient distribution of the refractive index of the calibration fluid... The gradient distribution of the first scalar property of the calibration fluid is then mapped to the light intensity distribution of the schlieren image
Implementation Method 3
a calibration schlieren image of the calibration fluid is captured and processed... The light intensity distribution of a test fluid in a test channel is then transformed to the gradient information of the first scalar property
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid analysis method is provided. A gradient distribution of a first scalar property of a calibration fluid in a space is obtained. A calibration schlieren image of the calibration fluid is acquired and processed to obtain an intensity distribution of the calibration schlieren image. The gradient distribution of the first scalar property of the calibration fluid in the space is mapped to the intensity distribution of the calibration schlieren image, so as to obtain a corresponding relation between the gradients of the first scalar property and the intensities. A test schlieren image of a test fluid is acquired and processed to obtain intensity distribution of the test schlieren image. The intensity distribution of the test schlieren image is converted to the gradient distribution of the first scalar property of the test fluid according to the corresponding relation. Moreover, a fluid analysis system is also provided.