Viscosity Measurement System Using Segmented Electromagnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring systems for liquid or viscous foodstuffs face challenges such as the need for numerous measurements under varying conditions, interference from strong magnetic fields, and difficulty in accommodating diverse viscosities like milk, yoghurt, and ketchup, which complicates simultaneous and reliable viscosity testing.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system with a housing containing a container and a probe, equipped with a magnetic body and a controllable electromagnetic drive using stacked coils to control the magnetic body's displacement, allowing for adjustable viscosity measurements and mixing, along with proximity sensors for accurate detection and a cleaning mechanism, and temperature control for reliable data across different conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a strong electromagnet is used to attract the remote body in falling ball systems, then the magnetic attraction force is sufficient, but the stray field disturbs adjacent arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single strong electromagnet into multiple smaller electromagnets arranged in an array. Each electromagnet generates a localized magnetic field that acts on corresponding segments of the remote body, providing sufficient total attraction force while minimizing stray field interference on adjacent arrangements through localized field confinement.
2Length of moving object
If the magnetic strength is increased to ensure sufficient falling distance, then the body can be attracted through highly viscous products, but the magnetic strength must be kept within limits for repeated measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically controllable electromagnets whose strength can be adjusted in real-time. The control system varies the magnetic field intensity based on the product's viscosity and the required falling distance, enabling sufficient attraction through highly viscous products when needed while reducing strength for repeated measurements on less viscous products.
3Productivity
If many measurements are performed simultaneously to investigate various preparation methods, then productivity increases, but mutual influencing of measurements becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into multiple independent measurement channels, each with its own electromagnet array and detection system. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous measurements in different containers without mutual interference, as each measurement zone is magnetically isolated from others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing tailored magnetic field conditions in different spatial zones. Each measurement location has its own optimized electromagnet configuration and field strength, allowing diverse preparation methods to be tested simultaneously under their specific required conditions without cross-influence.
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 efficient, reliable, and accurate viscosity measurements across a wide range of viscosities and temperatures, reducing human error and allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple samples under controlled conditions, improving the reliability and repeatability of dairy product assessments.
Implementation Method 1
a controllable electromagnetic drive for the first body, and a detection system for detecting displacement of the body
Implementation Method 2
the drive comprises a plurality of individually energisable coils which are wound around the container which are stacked in a stack
Implementation Method 3
a detection system for detecting displacement of the body, comprising a plurality of proximity sensors, in particular Hall sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a measuring system for automatically determining and/or monitoring the quality of a dairy product. The system comprises a housing for a container containing the dairy product, a viscosity measuring device, and a control unit. The viscosity measuring device comprises a magnet body, an electromagnetic drive, and a detection system for detecting displacement of the body with, in particular, Hall sensors. The drive comprises a plurality of individually controllable coils in a stack. The control unit is configured to individually energise the coils in a predetermined pattern, in such a way that the body in the space of the container is displaced. As a result thereof, the magnet body can, on the one hand, readily be pulled up, even in viscous liquids, but can, if desired, also be pulled down in a controlled manner, so that the viscosity can be measured more accurately.