Thermal Imaging Suspension Stability Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the physical stability of suspensions, particularly in dynamic flow conditions, are unreliable due to overestimation of particle size and lack of accurate size information for agglomerated particles.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing thermal imaging to dynamically determine and adjust the dispersion stability of particles in a suspension by capturing thermal radiation, converting it into visual thermal images, and analyzing these images to calculate dispersion stability and temperature, while maintaining the suspension at a constant temperature through mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If particles size analyzer is used to determine physical stability in dynamic flow conditions, then measurement can be performed under actual application conditions, but particle size is overestimated by 2 to 10 nm and particle amount is overpredicted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliability in dynamic flow conditionsVSAvoidparticle size measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional particles size analyzer (which uses light scattering and optical mechanics) with a thermal imaging system that detects thermal radiation patterns. This substitution eliminates the overestimation bias inherent in optical methods while maintaining the ability to perform measurements in dynamic flow conditions, achieving both reliability and precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal radiation as an intermediary medium between the suspension particles and the measurement system. By detecting thermal radiation patterns rather than directly measuring particle dimensions through light scattering, the system obtains accurate particle size information without the biases introduced by optical interference and shadow effects in dynamic flows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two-step method is used to produce suspensions, then any type of suspension can be manufactured with commercially available powders, but dispersion physical stability is lower compared to one-step method

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension type versatilityVSAvoiddispersion physical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system using thermal imaging to monitor dispersion stability in real-time. The system continuously captures thermal radiation patterns, analyzes particle distribution homogeneity, and provides feedback to adjust mixing parameters. This enables the two-step method to achieve one-step-like stability by dynamically optimizing mixing conditions based on actual thermal distribution patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic monitoring and adjustment of mixing parameters based on real-time thermal imaging analysis. Rather than using static mixing protocols, the system adapts mixing intensity, duration, and duration based on observed thermal patterns, enabling the two-step method to achieve high dispersion stability comparable to one-step methods while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If thermal imaging method is used to determine dispersion stability, then rapid and cost-effective assessment is achieved, but new equipment (thermal camera) is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassessment speedVSAvoidequipment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex analytical equipment (particles size analyzers, centrifuges, microscopy systems) with a thermal imaging camera that uses infrared radiation detection. This substitution achieves rapid assessment capability while reducing equipment complexity, as thermal cameras are more accessible and easier to operate than traditional particle analysis instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thermal imaging camera that can be used as a portable, relatively inexpensive device compared to specialized particle analysis equipment. The system enables rapid, repeatable measurements without requiring expensive infrastructure, making it suitable for routine monitoring and quality control applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 rapid, cost-effective, and qualitative assessment of dispersion stability in both static and dynamic conditions, improving accuracy by directly measuring thermal distribution patterns without overestimating particle sizes.

Implementation Method 1

capturing, using the thermal camera, a thermal radiation emitted from the suspension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12241821B1Method for determining physical stability of suspensions

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 KUWAIT UNIV

AI summary

A method and system for dynamically determining and adjusting a dispersion stability of particles in a suspension. The system includes a thermal imaging camera configured to determine movement of the particles in the suspension; and a mixing device, wherein the mixing device is configured to stir the suspension to dynamically maintain the suspension at a desired dispersion stability and temperature.