Non-contact Viscoelasticity Measurement via Surface Shading Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring viscoelasticity are invasive, destructive, or face challenges with optical measurement due to phenomena like scattering, specular reflection, and refraction, and require resonating the object to accurately measure displacement, leading to prolonged measurement times.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact, non-destructive method using elastic waves and light to estimate viscoelasticity by analyzing shading changes caused by minute displacements in the normal direction of the object surface, eliminating the need for direct displacement measurement and resonance frequency search.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact type probe is used to directly measure displacement, then measurement precision is improved, but object is destroyed or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact probe with an optical measurement system (camera) that captures images of the object surface. The displacement is measured by analyzing changes in light reflection patterns and shading in the images, eliminating the need for physical contact with the object while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the measurement system and the object. By analyzing how light reflects off the object surface and changes with displacement, the system can measure displacement without direct mechanical contact, thus avoiding object destruction or deformation.
2Ease of operation
If optical method is used to measure displacement, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but measurement is difficult due to scattering, specular reflection, transmission and refraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in shading and light reflection patterns (optical properties) on the object surface that occur during displacement. By detecting these visual changes in the captured images, the system can measure displacement even in the presence of scattering, specular reflection, transmission, and refraction phenomena.
3Measurement precision
If resonance method is used to accurately measure displacement, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures displacement directly from image analysis without requiring the object to reach resonance state or complete full vibration cycles. This partial action approach allows for rapid measurement of displacement at any point during the vibration, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining sufficient precision.
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
Enables rapid and accurate measurement of viscoelasticity across various substances, including those difficult to measure optically, with reduced risk of deformation and without the need for resonance, facilitating efficient material evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
minutely displacing an object surface shape by pressurizing or exciting an object to be measured with an elastic wave
Implementation Method 2
shading change due to the change of the normal direction of the object surface
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a method whereby viscoelasticity of an object can be measured nondestructively and in non-contact fashion in a short time. By this method, elastic waves and light are radiated to an object and the viscoelasticity of an object is measured nondestructively and in non-contact fashion using a shadow change based on a change in the direction of a line normal to the surface of the object. Specifically, the present invention has an elastic wave transmission step for pressurizing or exciting the object by elastic waves and causing a minute displacement of the object surface shape, a photoirradiation step for radiating light to the minutely displaced object surface, an image acquisition step for acquiring a shadow change based on a change in the direction of a line normal to the object surface, and a viscoelasticity estimation step for processing an image of the acquired shadow change and calculating a viscoelasticity.