Trimming Ring Sample Prep for Repeatable Rheology Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing test samples for rheological and mechanical property measurements are variable and require manual manipulation, leading to inconsistent sample volumes and exposure to ambient conditions, which affects test accuracy and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a test geometry and a trimming ring with an actuator, which automates the removal of excess material by translating and rotating the trimming ring parallel to the axis of rotation, using cutting edges to trim excess material without opening the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual trimming of excess material is performed, then the chamber can be opened for sample preparation, but atmospheric variability and thermal variability occur due to exposure to ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The trimming ring with cutting edges automatically trims excess material from the sample during the compression process itself, without requiring separate manual intervention. The system uses its own compression motion to perform the trimming function, eliminating the need to open the chamber for manual trimming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The trimming ring is positioned and configured to perform trimming action before the sample is fully compressed and before the chamber would need to be opened. The cutting edges are pre-positioned to engage excess material as it protrudes during the compression process, preventing the need for subsequent manual trimming that would require chamber opening.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual cutting of excess material is performed, then sample preparation can be completed, but significant skill is required and variability in sample size occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The trimming ring automatically performs the trimming function during sample compression without requiring external manual operation. The cutting edges are self-positioned to contact excess material that protrudes beyond the desired sample diameter, eliminating the need for skilled manual cutting while ensuring consistent trimming at the correct location.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cutting operation is replaced by an automated mechanical trimming system. The trimming ring with cutting edges uses the compression force already applied to the sample to automatically trim excess material, replacing the need for manual cutting tools and skilled operators.
3Productivity
If the chamber is opened for manual trimming, then excess material can be removed, but preparation time increases and thermal cooling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The trimming operation is integrated into the sample compression process itself. The trimming ring performs trimming automatically during the compression cycle without requiring the chamber to be opened or closed, eliminating the time loss associated with chamber opening while maintaining continuous sample preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trimming action is performed preliminarily during the compression process before the chamber would need to be opened for any manual intervention. By completing the trimming function during the closed-chamber compression phase, the system eliminates subsequent opening time and thermal cooling that would otherwise occur.
4Stability of the object's composition
If compression is performed to form homogeneous mass, then sample homogeneity is improved, but variation in compression gap height and exposure time to oxygen occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The trimming ring automatically compensates for variations in compression gap height by trimming excess material that protrudes beyond the desired sample diameter. This self-adjusting trimming action ensures consistent sample dimensions regardless of compression variability, maintaining sample homogeneity without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The trimming ring provides a mechanical feedback mechanism that automatically removes excess material resulting from compression variations. The cutting edges are positioned to contact and trim any material exceeding the desired sample diameter, creating a self-correcting system that maintains consistent sample dimensions despite variations in compression parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a device for removal of excess material from a test sample. The test sample may be used in an instrument for measurement of rheological and mechanical properties sample properties. The device includes a test geometry and a trimming ring. The test geometry includes a lower geometry and upper geometry each having a circular outer edge and being centered on an axis of rotation. The trimming ring has a sidewall, a ring axis coincident with the axis of rotation and at least one cutting edge disposed along at least a portion of a circumference of the trimming ring at a diameter that is at least as great as a diameter of one or both the lower geometry and the upper geometry. The device further includes an actuator coupled to the trimming ring and configured to translate the trimming ring in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.