Automated Analysis Device Using Integrating Sphere
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated analysis systems for solids and fluids are limited by their sensitivity, complexity, and cost, making them unsuitable for use in production environments, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals and food, where they cannot handle large quantities and are often unsafe for use in hazardous areas.
Innovation Solution
A device with a dosing unit, a spherical measuring system using an integrating sphere for analysis, and a transport device that allows for continuous, automated cycling through filling, analysis, and cleaning of sample chambers, enabling quick and continuous analysis of chemical composition, suitable for integration into production lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectroscopic measurement systems are used for chemical analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three independent stations (filling station, measurement station, emptying/cleaning station) that operate in sequence. Each station performs a specific function, allowing the complex measurement task to be broken down into manageable segments that can be executed automatically without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sample preparation systems with a dosing unit that automatically fills sample chambers with precise quantities of material. The integration sphere handles optical measurements automatically, eliminating the need for manual sample preparation and positioning that would require complex mechanical systems.
2Productivity
If automated analysis systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device operates in periodic cycles where sample chambers are filled, measured, emptied, and cleaned in sequence. The transport device moves chambers between stations at regular intervals, enabling continuous automated analysis while using simple, repeatable actions at each station rather than complex continuous processing.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the analysis process into discrete stations that handle specific tasks (filling, measuring, emptying, cleaning), the system achieves high throughput through parallel processing of multiple sample chambers while keeping each individual station relatively simple in design.
3Measurement precision
If integration spheres are used for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration sphere is designed as a universal measurement component that can analyze various types of samples (solids, liquids, powders) using different spectroscopic methods. By making the measurement station multi-functional, the system achieves high measurement precision across different applications without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 fully automated, efficient, and continuous analysis at short intervals, integrating quality control into production processes, reducing manual intervention and costs, while allowing for real-time intervention in production based on measured values, and supporting online process control.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical measuring system with an integrating sphere in the form of a photometer sphere consisting of two half-shells
Implementation Method 2
A spherical measuring system can be designed as a spherical light collector made of quartz or sapphire glass and, apart from certain passage points for light radiation, can be completely mirrored in order to achieve a light-collecting effect
Implementation Method 3
a uniform thickness is set and on the other hand a uniform compression of the substance takes place
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for the automated analysis of solids or fluids. Said device comprises a first station (5) having a metering unit (51) for filling at least one sample chamber (2) with a specified sample quantity, a second station (6) having at least one measuring device (61) for an analysis of the sample located in a sample chamber (2), and a third station (7) having an emptying and cleaning device (71, 72) for the at least one sample chamber (2). In addition, there is a conveyor device (3) for circulating conveyance of the at least one sample chamber (2) from one station to the next, until the first station (5) is reached again. According to the invention, the measurement device (61) at the second station (6) is a ball measuring system, through the interior of which the at least one sample chamber (2) can be guided.