Automated Analysis Device Optical Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis apparatuses face challenges in maintaining precision and accuracy due to differences in optical axis and light quantity distribution when using multiple light sources, particularly when employing alternative light sources like LEDs, which can lead to disturbances such as bubbles and reduced measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analysis apparatus is designed with a light source generating light with a center wavelength of 340 nm or shorter, a fluorescent substance that emits light across 340 nm to 800 nm, a condenser lens, and slits aligned along the optical axis to reduce differences in optical axis and light quantity distribution, effectively treating the light from the light source and fluorescent substance as a single source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to provide different wavelengths, then measurement capability is improved, but differences in optical axis and light quantity distribution increase, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (halogen lamp and ultraviolet LED) into a single integrated light source unit with a shared optical path. The halogen lamp provides visible light while the ultraviolet LED provides ultraviolet light, and both are combined through optical elements to illuminate the sample simultaneously, eliminating optical axis misalignment and light quantity distribution differences that would occur with separate light sources.
2Illumination intensity
If halogen lamp is used as light source, then wide emission spectrum and large light quantity are obtained, but light source life is short and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite light source system combining two different light sources (halogen lamp and ultraviolet LED) with complementary characteristics. The halogen lamp provides high intensity visible light while the ultraviolet LED provides ultraviolet light and has long operational life. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the strengths of each light source while compensating for their individual weaknesses.
3Illumination intensity
If halogen lamp is used as light source, then sufficient light quantity is obtained, but warm-up time is long before light quantity becomes stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an ultraviolet LED that can be activated immediately without warm-up time, providing preliminary ultraviolet illumination while the halogen lamp is still warming up. This allows the measurement system to begin operations with the LED providing initial light, reducing the overall warm-up time required before measurements can commence.
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 configuration enhances measurement precision and accuracy by minimizing differences in optical axis and light quantity distribution, allowing for precise dual-wavelength measurements comparable to halogen lamps while reducing the size of the light source unit and extending the life of the ultraviolet LED light source.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent substance that is excited with the light of the light source to emit light, and that generates light, together with transmitted light from the light source, having a wavelength of 340 nm to 800 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analysis apparatus comprises: a light source generating light having a center wavelength equal to or shorter than 340 nm; a fluorescent substance excited by the light source light, and generates light together with transmitted light from the light source, having a wavelength of 340 nm to 800 nm; a condenser lens; at least one slit; a reaction cell holding a reaction solution where a specimen and reagent are mixed, and that the light source light and the light from the fluorescent substance enter; and a detector that detects light transmitted through the reaction cell. The light source, fluorescent substance, condenser lens, and slit are provided along a straight light corresponding to the optical axis. The width of the slit's opening is equal to or narrower than the width of a ray forming an image of the light source at the position of the slit.