Chromatographic Scanner Parallel Illumination and Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for optical scanning of chromatographic samples are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when using UV light, due to the need for sequential illumination and detection, which complicates handling and results in non-uniform illumination, making quantitative evaluation challenging and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of multiple illumination devices with different wavelength ranges, where the sample plate is displaced relative to a line-by-line or field-by-field detector, allowing simultaneous scanning of multiple image points and fields, with pre-warming of illumination devices to ensure uniform illumination, and screening of unnecessary light sources to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential line-by-line scanning is used with dot or line light spots, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming scanning of multiple samples
Solution Approach 1:
The sample plate is divided into multiple fields that are scanned sequentially by the line-by-line detector, allowing parallel processing of multiple sample regions simultaneously rather than scanning each sample individually
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple illumination devices with different wavelength ranges are combined to illuminate multiple fields simultaneously, enabling parallel acquisition of data from multiple samples without sequential scanning
2Measurement precision
If UV illumination devices are used for homogeneous illumination, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to required pre-warming time and frequent activation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The UV illumination device is pre-warmed before actual measurement begins, and multiple fields are pre-positioned under different wavelength illuminators, so that when scanning starts, all illumination sources are already at optimal operating temperature and ready for immediate use
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous illumination across all fields simultaneously with multiple illumination devices operating in parallel, eliminating the need to repeatedly activate and deactivate single illumination sources during scanning
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination devices with different wavelength ranges are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single line-by-line detector device is designed to detect multiple wavelength ranges simultaneously, and multiple illumination devices are configured to illuminate multiple fields in parallel, creating a universal system that can handle various sample types and wavelength requirements without requiring separate scanning operations
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 enables rapid, reliable, and cost-effective quantitative evaluation of chromatographic samples with improved uniformity and precision, reducing scanning time and handling complexities while maintaining high-quality image recording.
Implementation Method 1
a sample plate holding the sample is illuminated with light from a first illumination device, and the light emitted by the sample plate is detected by an optical detector device
Implementation Method 2
pre-warming of illumination devices to ensure uniform illumination
Implementation Method 3
the light emitted by the sample plate is detected by an optical detector device which reads line by line or field by field
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for the optical scanning of a chromatographic sample (3), where a sample plate (2) holding the sample (3) is illuminated with light from a first illumination device (13) and the light emitted by the sample plate (2) is detected by an optical detector device (15) which detects in cell form or area form, a second illumination device (14) is preferably firstly activated in a preparation step. The sample plate (2) is displaced in a first displacement direction relative to the detector device (15), illuminated by the first illumination device (13) and a first measurement image is recorded. The sample plate (2) is displaced in a second displacement direction relative to the detector device (15), illuminated by the second illumination device (14), and a second measurement image is recorded.