Testing module and measuring apparatus having the same

The present disclosure provides a measuring apparatus including a testing module. The testing module includes: a temperature-controlling cylinder having a top opening and a bottom opening; an upper piston and a lower piston respectively seal the top opening and the bottom opening of the temperature-controlling cylinder so that a testing chamber is formed inside the temperature-controlling cylinder, wherein the testing chamber has a longitudinal length; and a pipe surrounding the testing chamber along the longitudinal length in such a way that when a wire is provided along and in the pipe with a number of turns, a density of the turns has at least two different values over the longitudinal length.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to measuring equipment, and more particularly, to a measuring apparatus designed for measuring a volumetric variation of a resin under different temperatures and pressures.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

During an injection molding operation performed using a plastic material, shrinkage rate and warpage rate are critical variables, which can be predicted from the relationship among pressure (P), specific volume (V), and temperature (T) (known as the PVT properties) of the plastic material.

Normally, when measuring the PVT properties of the plastic material, the volumetric variation of the plastic material is measured under isobaric or isothermal conditions provided by a measuring apparatus.

During a conventional measuring process, the plastic material may lack uniformity of density due to non-uniform temperature distribution, and volumetric measurement errors may occur as a result. In addition, the plastic material may leak, or elements of the measuring apparatus may stick or rub against each other due to non-uniform temperature distribution.

This Discussion of the Background section is for background information only. The statements in this Discussion of the Background are not an admission that the subject matter disclosed in this section constitutes a prior art to the present disclosure, and no part of this section may be used as an admission that any part of this application, including this Discussion of the Background section, constitutes prior art to the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a measuring apparatus for measuring a volumetric variation of a resin under different temperatures and pressures. In some embodiment, the measuring apparatus comprises a testing module. In some embodiments, the testing module comprises: a temperature-controlling cylinder having a top opening and a bottom opening; an upper piston and a lower piston respectively sealing the top opening and the bottom opening of the temperature-controlling cylinder so that a testing chamber is formed inside the temperature-controlling cylinder, wherein the testing chamber has a longitudinal length; and a pipe surrounding the testing chamber along the longitudinal length in such a way that when a wire is provided along and in the pipe in a spiral formation with a number of turns, a density of the turns has at least two different values over the longitudinal length of the testing chamber.

In some embodiments, the pipe is constructed by a sleeve and an external wall of the temperature-controlling cylinder sealed against each other.

In some embodiments, the density of the turns increases toward the top opening and the bottom opening of the temperature-controlling cylinder.

In some embodiments, when a wire is provided along and in the pipe and a liquid flows in the pipe, the wire is isolated from the liquid by a component formed by brazing.

In some embodiments, the upper piston has a wire and a pipe that are positioned at different surface levels in such a way that the wire is closer than the pipe to the testing chamber.

In some embodiments, the upper piston has a connecting element attached to the measuring apparatus by means of a ball joint.

In some embodiments, a size of the lower piston is designed so that a pressure in the testing chamber changes with movement of the lower piston relative to the testing chamber along the longitudinal length.

In some embodiments, the lower piston comprises a body having a hole configured for receiving a heating device, a fluid inlet at first end of the hole, a fluid outlet at second end of the hole, and a groove on an outer surface of the body, wherein the groove extends from the second end to the first end.

In some embodiments, an annular pipe is formed in the temperature-controlling cylinder and surrounds the lower piston.

In some embodiments, a plurality of temperature transducers are inserted into the temperature-controlling cylinder from several positions on the temperature-controlling cylinder that do not overlap the pipe and are arranged to detect a temperature distribution in the testing chamber.

The present disclosure also provides a measuring apparatus for measuring a volumetric variation of a resin under different temperatures and pressures. In some embodiment, the measuring apparatus comprises a testing module. In some embodiments, the testing module comprises: a temperature-controlling cylinder having a first internal surface and a first external surface; a testing tube having a second external surface, received in the temperature-controlling cylinder with the second external surface facing the first internal surface; and an upper piston and a lower piston respectively sealing a top opening and a bottom opening of the testing tube so that a testing chamber is formed inside the testing tube, wherein the testing chamber has a longitudinal length; wherein a wire is provided on the first external surface, surrounding the testing chamber with a number of turns; and wherein a pipe is formed between the second external surface and the first internal surface, surrounding the testing chamber along the longitudinal length.

In some embodiments, a groove is formed on the first external surface for providing the wire.

In some embodiments, a density of the turns increases toward the top opening and the bottom opening of the testing tube.

In some embodiments, a spiral groove is formed on the second external surface and the pipe is formed by the second external surface and the first internal surface sealing against each other.

In some embodiments, a spiral groove is formed on the first internal surface and the pipe is formed by the second external surface and the first internal surface sealing against each other.

In some embodiments, the upper piston has a wire and a cooling pipe that are positioned at different surface levels in such a way that the wire is closer than the cooling pipe to the testing chamber.

In some embodiments, the upper piston has a connecting element attached to the measuring apparatus by means of a ball joint.

In some embodiments, a size of the lower piston is designed so that a pressure in the testing chamber changes with movement of the lower piston relative to the testing chamber along the longitudinal length.

In some embodiments, the lower piston comprises a body having a hole configured for receiving a heating device, a fluid inlet at first end of the hole, a fluid outlet at second end of the hole, and a groove on an outer surface of the body, wherein the groove extends from the second end to the first end.

In some embodiments, a plurality of temperature transducers are inserted into the testing tube from several positions not covered by the pipe and are arranged to detect a temperature distribution in the testing chamber.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and technical advantages of the disclosure are described hereinafter, and form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the concepts and specific embodiments disclosed may be utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures, or processes, for carrying out the purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1Ais an exploded perspective view of a testing module100in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 1Bis a cross-sectional view of an upper piston, a lower piston and a temperature-controlling cylinder of the testing module100in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the testing module100comprises a temperature-controlling cylinder106, an upper piston102, and a lower piston108. In some embodiments, the testing module100further comprises a sleeve104. The temperature-controlling cylinder106, the upper piston102, and the lower piston108can be assembled together generally along an axial direction D1. For example, the relative movements of their geometric centers are along the axial direction D1in an assembly or disassembly process. A radial direction D2is defined as any direction perpendicular to the axial direction D1.

It should be noted that the testing module100is installed in a measuring apparatus when used, such installation is shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B. The measuring apparatus holds and calibrates the testing module100. The measuring apparatus also connects to a cooling fluid tank and a fluid exhaust container. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid tank provides cooling fluid to cool the measuring apparatus and the testing module100inside. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid is vortex tube cooling gas for achieving rapid cooling. The flow passages of the cooling fluid in the testing module100will be discussed in detail below.

Referring toFIG. 1B, in some embodiments, during a measuring process, a top opening of the temperature-controlling cylinder106is sealed by the upper piston102, and a bottom opening of the temperature-controlling cylinder106is sealed by the lower piston108. In some embodiments, a testing chamber110is formed in the temperature-controlling cylinder106, wherein the testing chamber110has a longitudinal length L (not shown in the figures) in the axial direction D1. In some embodiments, the longitudinal length L is measured from the top to the bottom of the testing chamber110, wherein the longitudinal length L is the length of a space which is able to contain a specimen M in the testing chamber110. In some embodiments, the specimen M comprises a resin, such as a molding material. In some embodiments, the molding material comprises the thermoplastic resin or the thermosetting resin.

In some embodiments, the testing chamber110is configured to contain the specimen M and keep the specimen M in a specific environment, for examples, an isobaric environment or an isothermal environment during a measurement process. It is expected that a temperature distribution in the testing chamber110is uniform, so as to provide homogeneous heating to the specimen M under either an isobaric environment or an isothermal environment. After a measurement process, it is expected that the testing module100can be cooled quickly, so as to reduce the cooling time.

In some embodiments, the testing chamber110is designed and shaped to receive the lower piston108, and a portion of the lower piston108slides in the temperature-controlling cylinder106. The specimen M is placed on an end of the lower piston108in the testing chamber110.

In some embodiments, relative sizes of the lower piston108and the testing chamber110are designed so that a pressure in the testing chamber110changes with movement of the lower piston108relative to the testing chamber110along the longitudinal length L.

FIGS. 2A to 2Cillustrate a cross-sectional view, a close-up view, and top views of the upper piston102of the testing module100in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the upper piston102has a first disk part101and a second disk part103, wherein a surface103A of the second disk part103attached to a surface101B of the first disk part101by welding. In some embodiments, the second disk part103seals with the top opening of the temperature-controlling cylinder106by a surface103B opposite to the surface103A.

Still referring toFIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the first disk part101has a receiving hole101A on a surface opposite to the surface101B. In some embodiments, the receiving hole101A is at an end of a stick102A, projecting from the surface opposite to the surface101B. In some embodiments, the stick102A projects from a center point of the surface opposite to the surface101B.

Referring toFIG. 2B, the receiving hole101A is configured to attach the first disk part101to the measuring apparatus by means of a ball joint, for example, receiving a stick201of the measuring apparatus in the receiving hole101A. In some embodiments, the receiving hole101A and the stick201are rotatable with respect to each other after they are attached. For example, the stick201has a spherical end and the receiving hole101A is a spherical hole for containing the spherical end and allowing the spherical end to rotate and move within the spherical hole. The contours of the receiving hole101A and the end of the stick201may be similar from a cross-sectional view, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring back toFIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the upper piston102has a wire103C and a pipe101C that are positioned at different surface levels along the axial direction D1, wherein the surface levels have a normal direction parallel to the axial direction D1. For example, when the surface103B is sealed against the temperature-controlling cylinder106, the wire103C is closer to the temperature-controlling cylinder106than to the pipe101C. In some embodiments, the wire103C is in the second disk part103. In some embodiments, the pipe101C is in the first disk part101.

Referring toFIG. 2C, in some embodiments, a groove101D is recessed into the surface101B of the first disk part101along the first direction D1. In some embodiments, the groove101D has a spiral structure as viewed from above inFIG. 2Cand appears jagged in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 2A.

In some embodiments, when the surface103A of the second disk part103is attached to the first disk part101, the groove101D is sealed by the surface103A and thus forms a pipe structure, i.e. the pipe101C. In some embodiments, the pipe structure has one end connected to the cooling fluid tank and another end connected to the fluid exhaust container. As mentioned above, the cooling fluid can be vortex tube cooling gas for achieving rapid cooling.

Still referring toFIG. 2C, in some embodiments, a wire103C is implanted in the second disk part103. In some embodiments, the surface level of the wire103C in the second disk part103may be designed to, for example, be adjacent to the surface103A, be on the surface103A without being covered, or be closer to the surface103B. In some embodiments, the wire103C is disposed in a spiral pattern starting from the center point D1as seen from the top view inFIG. 2C. In some embodiments, the wire103C is configured to heat the testing module100, and has one end connected to a power supply.

In some embodiments, the wire103C and the pipe101C are arranged in a staggered manner in relation to each other as shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 2A, and do not overlap when viewed from the top view. In some embodiments, the density of the spiral structure of the pipe101C is greater than the density of the wire103C. For example, the total length of the pipe101C in first disk part101is greater than the total length of the wire103B in the second disk part103as shown inFIG. 2C.

In some embodiments, the wire103C and the pipe101C in the upper piston102can help control the temperature in the testing module100, and can help maintain a uniform temperature distribution during a measurement process and achieve rapid cooling after the measurement process.

FIGS. 3A to 3Care cross-sectional views of the temperature-controlling cylinder106of the testing module100in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, withFIG. 3Bfurther illustrating the sleeve104andFIG. 3Cfurther illustrating an annular cooling channel in a perspective view.

Referring toFIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the temperature-controlling cylinder106extends in the axial direction D1. In some embodiments, the temperature-controlling cylinder106has the top opening106A and the bottom opening106B that are respectively sealed by the upper piston102and the lower piston108during a measuring process.

Still referring toFIG. 3A, in some embodiments, a pipe112surrounds the temperature-controlling cylinder106and winds in a spiral manner along the axial direction D1. In some embodiments, when the openings of the temperature-controlling cylinder106are sealed, the pipe112also surrounds a testing chamber110and extends in a spiral manner along the longitudinal length L.

In some embodiments, the pipe112has one end connected to the cooling fluid tank and another end connected to the fluid exhaust container. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the cooling fluid can be vortex tube cooling gas for achieving rapid cooling. With the vortex tube cooling gas flowing in the pipe112, the heat of the testing module100can be removed quickly after a measuring process.

In some embodiments, a wire109is provided along and in the pipe112with a number of turns, and a density of the turns has at least two different values over the longitudinal length L. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3A, a pitch of the spiral of the pipe112is calculated based on a diameter of the pipe112and a spacing between parallel sections of the pipe112. In some embodiments, a pitch measured closer to the openings of the temperature-controlling cylinder106is less than a pitch measured farther from the openings.

As shown inFIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the pitch P1and the pitch P5are less than the pitch P3. In some embodiments in which the wire109is provided, the pitch of the pipe112also defines the density of the turns of the wire109. For example, the density of the turns is measured by dividing an amount of turns within a length in the axial direction D1by the length in the axial direction D1; thus, given a fixed length, a greater amount of turns correlates with a greater density of the turns.

In some embodiments, when the pitch closer to the openings of the temperature-controlling cylinder106is less than the pitch farther from the openings, the amount of turns closer to the openings of the temperature-controlling cylinder106is greater and the density of the turns closer to the openings of the temperature-controlling cylinder106is accordingly greater. In some embodiments, the density of the turns increases closer the top opening106A and the bottom opening106B of the temperature-controlling cylinder106.

Still referring toFIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the wire109is configured to heat the testing module100, and has one end connected to a power supply. In some embodiments, during a measuring process, a temperature distribution in the testing chamber110may be not uniform due to the accumulation of internal heat, that is, the temperature in the middle of the testing chamber110is greater than the temperature on the ends of the testing chamber. If the density of the wire turns is greater on the ends than in the middle, then the heat that provided to the ends of the testing chamber110can be less than the heat provided to the middle of the testing chamber110. Therefore, the internal heat accumulation can be avoided and the temperature distribution in the testing chamber110during a measurement process can be more uniform.

In some embodiments, the pipe112has one end connected to the cooling fluid tank and another end connected to the fluid exhaust container, while the wire109has one end connected to the power supply. In some embodiments, the wire109is isolated from the fluid flowing in the pipe112by means of a component formed by, for example, brazing. In some embodiments, to avoid empty burning, the wire109is brazed in such a way as to be isolated from the fluid and the surrounding environment.

In some embodiments, the testing module100further comprises the sleeve104. In some embodiments, the pipe112is formed by the sleeve104and an external wall of the temperature-controlling cylinder106sealed against each other. Referring toFIG. 3B, in some embodiment, a groove107is recessed in an external surface of the temperature-controlling cylinder106approximately parallel to the radial direction D2. In some embodiments, the groove107surrounds the testing chamber110and winds in a spiral manner along the axial direction D1.

In some embodiments, the groove107has a varying pitch. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3B, the groove107has recessed portions and protruding portions staggered alternatingly. In some embodiments, a pitch of the groove107is defined as the width of one recessed portion plus the width of one protruding portion along the axial direction D1. In some embodiments, a pitch closer to the openings of the temperature-controlling cylinder106is shorter. As shown inFIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the pitch P1and the pitch P5are smaller than the pitch P3. In some embodiments, the groove107has a varying pitch that decreases toward the openings of the temperature-controlling cylinder106over the longitudinal length L.

In some embodiments, the wire109is brazed at the deepest surfaces in the recessed portions of the groove107.

Still referring toFIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the sleeve104surrounds the temperature-controlling cylinder106. In some embodiments, the sleeve104extends in the axial direction D1. In some embodiments, the sleeve104is installed around the external surface of the temperature-controlling cylinder106with, for example, one end welded at a bottom base111of the temperature-controlling cylinder106. In some embodiments, the bottom base111projects in the radial direction D2from the external surface of the temperature-controlling cylinder106. In some embodiments, the bottom base111can be deemed as the most protruding portion of the groove107.

Still referring toFIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the sleeve104is installed on the temperature-controlling cylinder106in the direction indicated by the arrow. In some embodiments, the sleeve104is sealed against the protruding portions of the groove107, and the groove107then forms a pipe structure, i.e., the pipe112.

Referring toFIG. 3C, in some embodiments, the annular cooling channel301is formed in the temperature-controlling cylinder106near the bottom opening106B. In some embodiments, the annular cooling channel301has one end connected to the cooling fluid tank, and the flow directions of the cooling fluid are identified as R1, R2, and R3sequentially.

In some embodiments, when the lower piston108is inserted in the testing chamber110, the annular cooling channel301surrounds a portion of the lower piston108. If the temperature of the lower piston108is too high, the annular cooling channel301can help cool the lower piston108by allowing the cooling fluid to flow around the portion of the lower piston108.

FIG. 4Ais a side view of the temperature-controlling cylinder106of the testing module100in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; andFIG. 4Bis a cross-sectional view of the temperature-controlling cylinder106ofFIG. 4A.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, in some embodiments, the testing module100comprises temperature transducers114A,114B and114C. In some embodiments, the temperature transducers114A,114B and114C are inserted in the temperature-controlling cylinder106in approximately the radial direction D2. In some embodiments, the temperature transducers114A,114B and114C have ends extending from several positions on an external surface of the temperature-controlling cylinder106and the other ends close to the testing chamber110. In some embodiments, the several positions on the external surface do not overlap the pipes112.

In some embodiments, the shortest distance between the temperature transducers114A,114B and114C and the testing chamber110is about 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the temperature transducers114A,114B and114C are spaced by 120 degrees. In some embodiments, with the temperature transducers114A,114B and114C, the temperature distribution of the specimen at different locations in the testing chamber110can be detected more precisely.

It should be noticed that although there are three temperature transducers shown inFIG. 4Bfor simplicity of explanation, any number of the temperature transducers may be used, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the present disclosure. For example, four temperature transducers may be equally spaced (separated by 90 degrees) about the temperature-controlling cylinder106.

In some embodiments, the temperature transducers are arranged at different surface levels. For example, the cross-sectional views along AA′, BB′, and CC′ inFIG. 4Amay all be represented byFIG. 4B. In addition, there are total nine temperature transducers used in the testing module100. In some embodiments, there are temperature transducers arranged at more than three surface levels, and any number of the temperature transducers may be used in every surface level.

FIG. 5Ais a cross-sectional view of the lower piston108of the testing module100in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5A, in some embodiments, the lower piston108has a wire113inside. The wire113has one end connected to a power supply. When the lower piston108is inserted in the temperature-controlling cylinder106, the lower piston108can fine-tune the temperature in the testing chamber110with the wire113. Therefore, the temperature distribution in the testing chamber110can be controlled more precisely. In addition, with the wire113, the size of the lower piston108can be adjusted to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction. For example, when the lower piston108is rubbing or stuck in the testing chamber110, the lower piston108can be cooled by reducing the voltage of the power supply. On the other hand, the voltage can be raised to allow the lower piston108to undergo a thermal expansion in order to prevent the specimen M from leaking into a gap between the lower piston108and the testing chamber110.

Referring back toFIG. 1B, in some embodiments, the testing module100has three cooling pipes: the pipe101C in the upper piston102; the pipe112surrounding the testing chamber110; and the annular cooling channel301surrounding the lower piston108. It should be noted that the three cooling pipes can be controlled separately to allow flow of cooling liquids having different temperatures, velocities of flow, types of flow, etc.

In some embodiments, the testing module100has three wires: the wire103C in the upper piston102; the wire109surrounding the testing chamber110; and the wire113inside the lower piston108. It should be noted that the three wires can be controlled separately to provide different temperatures.

Under a measurement process, the lower piston108is configured to apply a pressure on the specimen M. In some embodiments, the lower piston108provides an isobaric environment, in which the pressure (P) is fixed, in the testing chamber110. Under the isobaric environment, a relationship between the specific volume (V) and the temperature (T) of the specimen can be obtained by changing the temperature (T) in the testing chamber110through the wire103C, wire109and wire113.

In some embodiments, the wire103C, wire109and wire113provide an isothermal environment, in which the temperature (T) is fixed, in the testing chamber110. Under the isothermal environment, a relationship between the specific volume (V) and the pressure (P) of the specimen can be obtained by changing the pressure (P) with the lower piston108.

FIG. 5Bis a full view andFIG. 5Cis a cross-sectional view of a lower piston108′ respectively in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the lower piston108′ comprises a body108A having a hole108B configured for receiving a heating device such as a heating wire, a fluid inlet108C at a first end (tail end)108F, a fluid outlet108D at a second end (head end)108G. In some embodiments, a cooling fluid such as the cooling air is transferred into the hole108B through the fluid inlet108C at the first end108F, moves in the hole108B from the first end108F toward the second end108G, and then is transferred out of the hole108B through the fluid outlet108D.

Referring toFIG. 5BandFIG. 1B, in some embodiments, the lower piston108′ has a groove108E such as a spiral groove on the outer surface of the body108A, and the spiral groove extends from the second end108G toward the first end108F. In some embodiments, during the testing, the cooling fluid from the fluid outlet108D at the second end108G is transferred toward the first end108F through the groove108E on the outer surface, rather than moving toward the specimen M in the chamber110, so as to prevent the direct contact of the specimen M by the cooling fluid.

FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view of a testing module600in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Since the testing module600is similar to that described above in relation toFIG. 1A, the identical numbers represent similar components for simplicity of explanation. Such similar components are omitted in the interest of brevity, and only the differences are provided.

Referring toFIG. 6, the testing module600comprises a testing tube604, a temperature-controlling cylinder606receiving the testing tube604, the upper piston102sealing an end of the testing tube604, and the lower piston108sealing another end of the testing tube604.

As with the testing module100, the testing module600is installed in a measuring apparatus when used. A cooling fluid tank provides cooling fluid to cool the testing module600. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid is vortex tube cooling gas for achieving rapid cooling.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of the temperature-controlling cylinder606of the testing module600in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7, the temperature-controlling cylinder606extends in the axial direction D1. The temperature-controlling cylinder606has a first internal surface610and a first external surface612.

A wire (not shown in the figures) is provided on the first external surface612and surrounds the temperature-controlling cylinder606with a number of turns. As with the wire109, in some embodiments, a density of the turns has at least two different values. In some embodiments, a density of the turns increases toward openings of the testing tube604when the testing tube604is received in the temperature-controlling cylinder606.

Still referring toFIG. 7, in some embodiments, a groove613is recessed in the first external surface612, approximately parallel to the radial direction D2. In some embodiments, the groove613surrounds the temperature-controlling cylinder606and winds in a spiral manner around the axial direction D1.

In some embodiments, the groove613has a varying pitch similar to that of the groove107. In some embodiments, the groove613has a constant pitch P. The wire is wrapped in the groove613and surrounds the temperature-controlling cylinder606, winding in a spiral manner along the axial direction D1.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of the testing tube604of the testing module600in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8, the testing tube604includes a second external surface607. The testing tube604is received in the temperature-controlling cylinder606with the external surface607facing the first internal surface610.

Still referring toFIG. 8, as with the temperature-controlling cylinder106, the testing tube604has a top opening and a bottom opening. During a measurement process, the top opening is sealed by the surface103B of the upper piston102, and the bottom opening is sealed by the lower piston108. Therefore, a testing chamber605is formed in the testing tube604, wherein the testing chamber605has a longitudinal length L (not shown in the figures) in the axial direction D1. The longitudinal length L is measured from the top to the bottom of the testing chamber605. More specifically, the longitudinal length L is the length of a space which is able to contain a specimen in the testing chamber605.

The testing chamber605is similar to the testing chamber110, and is configured to contain a specimen and keep the specimen under a specific environment, for example, an isobaric environment or an isothermal environment, during a measurement process.

In some embodiments, the testing chamber605is designed and shaped to receive the lower piston108. A portion of the lower piston108is inserted into the testing tube604. The specimen is placed on an end of the lower piston108in the testing chamber605.

In some embodiments, relative sizes of the lower piston108and the testing chamber605are designed so that a pressure in the testing chamber605changes with movement of the lower piston108relative to the testing chamber605along the longitudinal length L.

In some embodiments, the heating devices of the testing module600include the wire103C (shown inFIG. 2A) in the upper piston102, a wire (not shown in the figures) surrounding the testing tube604, and a wire113inside the lower piston108.

In some embodiments, the flow passages of the cooling fluid in the testing module600include the pipe101C (shown inFIG. 2A) in the upper piston102and a pipe between the temperature-controlling cylinder606and the testing tube604. The pipe between the temperature-controlling cylinder606and the testing tube604can be implemented in two types: a recess in the testing tube604, and a recess in the temperature-controlling cylinder606.

With the type of the recess in the testing tube604, a spiral groove608(shown inFIG. 8) is formed on the second external surface607. When the testing tube604is received in the temperature-controlling cylinder606, the first internal surface610of the temperature-controlling cylinder606is sealed against protruding portions of the spiral groove608and covers the spiral groove608. Therefore, the spiral groove608is formed into a spiral pipe structure.

With the type of the recess in the temperature-controlling cylinder606, a spiral groove603(shown inFIG. 7) is formed over the first internal surface610. When the testing tube604is received in the temperature-controlling cylinder606, the second external surface607of the testing tube604is sealed against protruding portions of the spiral groove603and covers the spiral groove603. Therefore, the spiral groove603is formed into a spiral pipe structure.

As with the testing module100, the testing module600comprises temperature transducers. The temperature transducers are inserted into the temperature-controlling cylinder606from the first external surface612approximately along the radial direction D2, and the temperature transducers have detecting ends close to the testing tube604.

The temperature transducers have ends extending from several positions on the first external surface612and the other ends close to the testing chamber604. The several positions on the first external surface612do not overlap the pipe between the temperature-controlling cylinder606and the testing tube604.

FIG. 9Ais a perspective view of a measuring apparatus10with the testing module in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 9Bis a front view of the measuring apparatus10inFIG. 9Ain accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 9A and 9B, the upper piston102is attached to the measuring apparatus10at one end, and the other end would be sealed with the temperature-controlling cylinder106or the testing tube604in the temperature-controlling cylinder606during a measuring process.

The lower piston108is attached to the measuring apparatus10and configured to apply a force to the specimen in the temperature-controlling cylinder106or the testing tube604from the bottom.

The present disclosure provides a measuring apparatus for measuring a volumetric variation of a resin under different temperatures and pressures. In some embodiment, the measuring apparatus comprises a testing module. In some embodiments, the testing module comprises: a temperature-controlling cylinder having a top opening and a bottom opening; an upper piston and a lower piston respectively sealing the top opening and the bottom opening of the temperature-controlling cylinder so that a testing chamber is formed inside the temperature-controlling cylinder, wherein the testing chamber has a longitudinal length; and a pipe surrounding the testing chamber along the longitudinal length in such a way that when a wire is provided along and in the pipe with a number of turns, a density of the turns has at least two different values over the longitudinal length.

The present disclosure also provides a measuring apparatus for measuring a volumetric variation of a resin under different temperatures and pressures. In some embodiment, the measuring apparatus comprises a testing module. In some embodiments, the testing module comprises: a temperature-controlling cylinder having a first internal surface and a first external surface; a testing tube having a second external surface, received in the temperature-controlling cylinder with the second external surface facing the first internal surface; and an upper piston and a lower piston respectively sealing a top opening and a bottom opening of the testing tube so that a testing chamber is formed inside the testing tube, wherein the testing chamber has a longitudinal length; wherein a wire is provided on the first external surface, surrounding the testing chamber with a number of turns; and wherein a pipe is formed between the second external surface and the first internal surface, surrounding the testing chamber along the longitudinal length.