Softening Point Measurement via Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the softening or dropping point of substances are limited in reproducibility and cannot effectively analyze non-standard-compliant substances, as they often fail to record accurate results when drops break off early or do not reach the specified length.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using a measuring device with a sample chamber, temperature sensor, heating device, image capture means, and control unit to record temperature-time data and image-time data, allowing for the determination of softening or dropping points and additional rheological values, with features like color and brightness adjustment for improved reproducibility and analysis of non-standard substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard methods are used to determine softening or dropping point, then standard-compliant substances can be measured, but non-standard substances (where drops break off early or don't reach specified length) cannot be accurately analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement parameters by using image capture means to record the entire heating process continuously, rather than relying on single-point detection. This allows analysis of substances that don't meet standard criteria by capturing intermediate states and calculating equivalent softening/dropping points from the image sequence, thus accommodating non-standard substances while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional detection (single light barrier) to two-dimensional image capture, recording the spatial and temporal development of the sample throughout the heating process. This dimensional expansion enables detection of substances with atypical behavior patterns, as the full trajectory of drop formation and detachment is captured and can be analyzed even when standard criteria aren't met
2Reliability
If automated measurement with image capture is implemented, then reproducibility is enhanced and non-standard substances can be analyzed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical evaluation systems with automated optical detection and digital image processing. Instead of manual observation and measurement, image capture means record the heating process, and software automatically analyzes the images to determine softening/dropping points, significantly improving reproducibility while the added complexity is managed through automation rather than manual procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates digital copies (images) of the sample throughout the heating process, allowing repeated analysis without physical repetition of the measurement. These image copies can be processed automatically by software, enhancing reproducibility while the complexity is contained in the digital domain rather than requiring complex physical measurement systems
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
Enhances the reproducibility of softening and dropping point measurements by enabling the analysis of substances that do not conform to standard behaviors, allowing for precise determination of dropping or softening points and viscosity, even in cases where drops break off early or do not reach the specified length.
Implementation Method 1
the sample chamber is then heated according to the predetermined temperature-time setpoints
Implementation Method 2
The substance is heated in a controlled manner until it changes from a solid to a liquid state
Implementation Method 3
actual temperature-time values in the sample chamber are determined using the temperature sensor
Implementation Method 4
image-time data from inside the sample chamber is also recorded using the image capture device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
The method involves inserting a sample container (8) into a sample chamber (4), and adjusting the chamber to a predetermined starting temperature. The chamber is heated with a heating device (11) based on preset temperature-time-reference values. Temperature-time-actual values in the chamber are detected with a temperature sensor (16). Image-time-data of the chamber is determined, and temporal changing of a sample is determined based on temperature, data and actual values. Material property and/or rheological property of the sample is determined based on the temporal change of the sample. The heating device is designed as a flat heater. An independent claim is also included for a measuring device for executing a method for determining softening point and dropping point of substance.