Single CCD Sensor Scanning Apparatus for Liquid Absorbency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring optical absorbency of liquids during reactions are limited in their ability to simultaneously measure multiple samples and track absorbency development over time, often requiring expensive equipment and being sensitive to light source variations.
Innovation Solution
A scanning apparatus with radially arranged channels, equipped with optical fibers, prisms, and a CCD sensor, which allows for simultaneous measurement of multiple samples using a single sensor and reference channels to correct for light source drift, enabling precise absorbency analysis with minimal interference and space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to measure multiple samples simultaneously, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference and cross-talk between channels
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple spatially separated optical channels, each with dedicated optical fibers and periscopes. The CCD sensor is divided into multiple detection zones corresponding to different reaction containers, allowing independent measurement of each sample while using a single sensor component.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers act as intermediaries to transmit light signals from each reaction container to the CCD sensor. The periscopes serve as intermediary optical elements to redirect and focus light paths, enabling spatial separation of measurement channels while maintaining signal integrity and preventing cross-talk between adjacent channels.
2Measurement precision
If reference channels are added to correct light source drift, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed with universal components that serve multiple functions. The same periscopes, optical fibers, and CCD detection zones used for sample measurement are also configured to detect reference signals. Reference channels share the same optical path infrastructure as sample channels, allowing drift correction without requiring separate dedicated reference equipment.
3Area of stationary object
If optical fibers are arranged parallel in the same direction, then space between channels is minimized, but light path alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The periscopes employ curved or angled optical paths to redirect light from parallel optical fiber arrangements to the CCD sensor. The prismatic elements within periscopes bend light paths at 90-degree angles, transforming the parallel fiber arrangement into properly aligned detection paths without increasing the physical footprint of the optical system.
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 efficient, simultaneous measurement of optical absorbency across multiple samples with improved resolution and reduced noise, independent of light source variations, and minimizes the need for expensive signal amplification systems.
Implementation Method 1
The eight fibres which pick up the light from each scanning channel will stop at a scanning head
Implementation Method 2
Said change of course is implemented by means of pairs of prisms
Implementation Method 3
which requires a change of 90° at the entry and the exit of each channel, so that the course of the light is correct
Implementation Method 4
A pair of lenses located at each end of the reaction container, with a suitable focal length, make it possible to focus the light in parallel through the reaction container
Implementation Method 5
A CCD sensor or the like is intended for scanning in the head, being equipped with its corresponding optical device and containing the sensor
Implementation Method 6
the luminous signal will pass through a concentrating lens, there being in addition a motor-driven wheel with a multiplicity of filters
Implementation Method 7
there being in addition a motor-driven wheel with a multiplicity of filters, for example seven filters, which makes it possible to select the wavelength of the luminous signal
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for measuring the optical absorbency of samples of liquids, method and reaction container for its implementation.The apparatus comprises a receiving body for receiving the reaction containers carrying the samples to be analyzed, with means for causing each of the reaction containers to be passed through by a luminous signal of controlled wavelength, having means for conducting it to a scanning head where the luminous signals are picked up by a single CCD sensor, constituting a digital processing system for evaluating the absorbency of the corresponding sample.