Vibration Control Module for Rheometric Fluid Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack effective methods for measuring the effects of vibration on the rheometric properties of non-Newtonian fluids, which are crucial in automotive applications such as structural adhesives and thermal interface materials.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a receptacle for holding a fluid sample, a vibration generator to apply vibrations, and a rheometric measuring device to measure viscosity and other rheometric properties, along with a vibration control module to regulate the vibration frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If vibration is applied to non-Newtonian fluids to change rheometric properties, then flowability is improved, but measurement precision becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflowabilityVSAvoidrheometric property measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration to non-Newtonian fluids to modify their rheometric properties and improve flowability. The vibration generator creates controlled oscillations that temporarily reduce viscosity, enabling the fluid to flow more easily during application. This directly addresses the contradiction by using vibration to enhance ease of operation while maintaining measurement capability through controlled parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the fluid system by applying vibration at specific frequencies and amplitudes. By controlling vibration frequency, duration, and intensity, the system temporarily alters the fluid's rheometric properties to improve flowability during application, then allows properties to return to normal state for accurate measurement. This parameter control resolves the measurement precision issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If vibration frequency is increased to improve flowability, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidvibration energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic vibration action at optimized frequencies to achieve effective mixing and improved flowability. By using periodic oscillations rather than continuous high-energy vibration, the system achieves the desired mixing effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption. The periodic action allows the fluid to respond efficiently to vibration cycles without requiring excessive energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts vibration frequency and amplitude parameters to optimize the balance between mixing effectiveness and energy consumption. The system adapts vibration parameters based on real-time fluid response, using higher frequencies only when necessary and reducing frequency when the fluid achieves sufficient flowability improvement, thereby minimizing energy consumption while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If vibration is applied continuously to maintain flowability, then application ease is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication easeVSAvoidrheometric property measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic vibration rather than continuous vibration to maintain flowability during application. The vibration is applied in controlled cycles, allowing the fluid to maintain improved flowability during application phases and then return to its original state during measurement phases. This periodic action enables accurate rheometric measurements while still providing application ease when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies vibration as a preliminary action before measurement to improve flowability and ease of application. Once the fluid has been pre-vibrated to achieve desired flow characteristics, the vibration is stopped or reduced, allowing accurate measurement of the fluid's rheometric properties. This preliminary vibration approach resolves the contradiction by separating the application enhancement function from the measurement function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system enables precise measurement of how vibrations affect the rheometric properties of non-Newtonian fluids, optimizing their flowability and application in automotive contexts.

Implementation Method 1

A vibration generator is configured to vibrate the fluid sample within the receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the transducer is configured to generate at least one of longitudinal acoustic waves, flexural acoustic waves, shear acoustic waves, and torsional acoustic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic waves: Sound

Implementation Method 3

a heater is configured to heat the fluid sample within the receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

the cool plate configured to cool the fluid sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS12276588B2Systems and methods for measuring effects of vibration on rheometric properties of a fluid
Publication Date: 2025.04.15 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US12276588B2 patent drawing
  • US12276588B2 patent drawing
  • US12276588B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for measuring effects of vibration on rheometric properties of a fluid sample. The system includes a receptacle configured to hold the fluid sample and receive a probe extending from a rheometric measuring device. A vibration generator is configured to vibrate the fluid sample within the receptacle while the rheometric measuring device measures the rheometric properties of the fluid sample. A vibration control module is configured to control frequency at which the vibration generator vibrates.