Absorbance Calibration Using a Rotating Filter Disc
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for calibrating light absorbance measurement apparatuses in chromatography require manual interaction, leading to tedious processes and low reproducibility due to filter positioning irregularities and potential contamination, compromising calibration accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled method using a rotating disc with optical filters, where an actuator rotates the disc to different positions, allowing for automated calibration by measuring light absorption values at multiple points and comparing them to reference values, minimizing the influence of minor defects and particle contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion of optical filters is used for calibration, then the calibration process can be performed, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming with low reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion of optical filters with an automated motor-driven filter wheel system. The filter wheel is rotated by a motor to automatically position different optical filters in the light path, eliminating the need for manual handling and significantly reducing calibration time while improving reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-service by automatically selecting and positioning the required optical filters based on the calibration wavelength requirements. The control system autonomously manages the filter wheel rotation and filter selection without requiring user intervention, making the calibration process independent and repeatable.
2Reliability
If manual insertion of optical filters is used for calibration, then the calibration process can be performed, but reproducibility is reduced due to varying filter positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion of optical filters with an automated motor-driven filter wheel system. The filter wheel is rotated by a motor to automatically position different optical filters in the light path, eliminating the need for manual handling and significantly reducing calibration time while improving reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filters are pre-mounted on the filter wheel at precise, predetermined positions during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the filter wheel is rotated to a specific position, the filter is already correctly aligned with the light path, eliminating positioning variability that occurs with manual insertion.
3Measurement precision
If manual handling of optical filters is required, then filter changes can be made, but contamination from dust and irregularities compromises calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion of optical filters with an automated motor-driven filter wheel system. The filter wheel is rotated by a motor to automatically position different optical filters in the light path, eliminating the need for manual handling and significantly reducing calibration time while improving reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the optical filters from the external environment and mounts them in a controlled, enclosed filter wheel assembly. This isolation prevents dust and contaminants from the external environment from settling on the filter surfaces, maintaining measurement precision without requiring manual handling.
4Measurement precision
If a single filter position is used for calibration, then the calibration process is simple, but the influence of filter defects and contamination cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the absorbance value at multiple different positions on the same optical filter rather than relying on a single measurement. By taking multiple measurements at different locations and averaging them, the system compensates for local defects or contamination on the filter surface, improving calibration accuracy without requiring multiple physical filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is segmented into multiple measurement steps at different filter positions. Instead of a single measurement, the system systematically moves the filter wheel to different positions and collects multiple data points, then processes them together to obtain a more accurate calibration value.
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
This approach enhances calibration reproducibility and accuracy by eliminating manual interaction and protecting the filters from contamination, enabling frequent and precise evaluation of linearity and photometric accuracy without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter configured to emit light along an optical path to a light sensor configured to measure the emitted light
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical filters, each of the one or more optical filters arranged with its center passing through the optical path when rotating
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method performed by a computer configured to calibrate an apparatus for measuring the absorbance of light of a substance for a chromatography system, the apparatus comprising a conduit (C) for enabling a fluid to be measured, a light emitter (LE) configured to emit light along an optical path (OP) to a light sensor(S) configured to measure the emitted light, the optical path intersecting the conduit (C), a rotating disc (D) having one or more optical filters, each of the one or more optical filters is arranged with its center passing through the optical path (OP) when rotating, an actuator configured to rotate the disc (D) dependent on a control signal.