Rotary Viscometer Integrated Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional viscometer devices require cumbersome and space-consuming circulation thermostatic baths for temperature control, which are slow to reach set temperatures and environmentally unfriendly due to the use of Freon.
Innovation Solution
A rotary viscometer device with a sample cup integrated into a compact temperature control portion, utilizing a Peltier element for rapid and environmentally friendly temperature control, and featuring vertically movable guide pins for easy alignment and closure with a closure portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a circulation thermostatic bath is used for temperature control, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature control function directly into the viscometer device by integrating a heater and temperature sensor within the measurement cell assembly. This merging of functions eliminates the need for a separate circulation thermostatic bath, reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature stability through direct heating and sensing at the measurement location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from the external thermostatic bath system and incorporates it directly into the viscometer device. By taking out the temperature control functionality and integrating it locally, the system eliminates cumbersome external equipment while achieving precise temperature management through embedded heating and sensing elements.
2Temperature
If a circulation thermostatic bath is used for temperature control, then temperature stability is improved, but the time to reach set temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fluid circulation system of a thermostatic bath with an electrical heating system. By substituting the mechanical circulation approach with direct electrical heating and electronic temperature control, the system achieves faster response times and quicker attainment of set temperatures while maintaining stability through electronic regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the measurement cell temperature, allowing the control system to anticipate and adjust heating requirements in advance. This preliminary monitoring enables the system to reach and maintain set temperatures more quickly by making proactive adjustments rather than reacting to temperature deviations.
3Temperature
If a circulation thermostatic bath with rubber hoses is used, then temperature control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature control functionality directly into the viscometer device, eliminating the need for external hoses and connections. This integration allows users to simply power on the device and select desired parameters, significantly improving ease of operation by removing cumbersome setup procedures while maintaining effective temperature control.
4Temperature
If a circulation thermostatic bath is used, then temperature control capability is improved, but the device size and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature control functionality from a large external thermostatic bath and incorporates it into a compact integrated unit. By taking out the essential heating and sensing functions and integrating them directly into the viscometer, the system achieves effective temperature control in a much smaller footprint, eliminating the need for large dedicated space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the temperature control components (heater and sensor) within the existing structure of the viscometer device. By nesting these functional elements inside the measurement cell assembly and utilizing existing spaces, the system achieves comprehensive temperature control capability without increasing overall device size or requiring additional space.
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 simple, efficient, and space-saving temperature control without the need for rubber hoses or large thermostatic baths, allowing for quick temperature adjustments and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a Peltier element for rapid and environmentally friendly temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary viscometer device including a rotor and a sample cup includes: a viscometer including the rotor and a closure portion having a larger diameter than the rotor; and a temperature control portion separate from the viscometer, wherein the sample cup is provided at the temperature control portion, and the sample cup is positioned with respect to the closure portion by inserting a vertically movable guide pin of the viscometer into a positioning portion of the temperature control portion that is capable of in-plane movement while lowering the guide pin.