Trimming Ring Sample Preparation for Consistent Rheometer Testing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing test samples for rheological and mechanical property measurements in rotary rheometers are highly variable and require manual manipulation, leading to inconsistent results due to factors like initial sample volume, pre-heating time, and exposure to ambient air, which affects temperature and atmospheric conditions.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a test geometry and a trimming ring with an actuator, configured to translate and rotate, is used to automate the removal of excess material from a test sample, ensuring consistent sample preparation and minimizing exposure to ambient conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual manipulationVSAvoidtest result consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The trimming ring with cutting edges is designed to automatically trim excess material from the sample disk during the compression process itself, without requiring manual intervention or chamber opening. The system uses its own compression motion to drive the trimming action, making the process self-contained and eliminating environmental exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The trimming ring is positioned and configured to perform the trimming action before the sample is fully compressed and before the chamber needs to be opened for testing. By completing the trimming operation during the initial compression phase, the system prepares the sample in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent manual trimming and chamber opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 results occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample preparation processVSAvoidsample size consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The trimming ring with cutting edges is designed to automatically trim excess material from the sample disk during the compression process itself, without requiring manual intervention or chamber opening. The system uses its own compression motion to drive the trimming action, making the process self-contained and eliminating environmental exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The trimming ring is positioned and configured to perform the trimming action before the sample is fully compressed and before the chamber needs to be opened for testing. By completing the trimming operation during the initial compression phase, the system prepares the sample in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent manual trimming and chamber opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the chamber is opened for manual trimming, then excess material can be removed, but exposure time to ambient environment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample preparation speedVSAvoidexposure time to ambient air

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The trimming ring with cutting edges is designed to automatically trim excess material from the sample disk during the compression process itself, without requiring manual intervention or chamber opening. The system uses its own compression motion to drive the trimming action, making the process self-contained and eliminating environmental exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The trimming ring is positioned and configured to perform the trimming action before the sample is fully compressed and before the chamber needs to be opened for testing. By completing the trimming operation during the initial compression phase, the system prepares the sample in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent manual trimming and chamber opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12487153B2Device for removal of excess material from a test sample

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 TA INSTRUMENTS WATERS LLC

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.