Compact Endotoxin Test Device With Multi-Wavelength Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endotoxin test devices are bulky due to the need for multiple light emitting elements with different wavelengths and optical components, which compromises their compactness and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A test device with a compact design that includes a specimen holding part for multiple specimens, a light emitting element that illuminates adjacent specimens, a first light guide path for guiding light, and a thinner second light guide path that directs light from the first path to the specimens, along with a light-receiving element and shielding member to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light emitting elements with different wavelengths are provided for one specimen to enable endotoxin test by multiple test methods, then the test device can perform multiple test methods, but the size of the test device increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single light emitting element is designed to emit multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously, enabling the device to perform multiple test methods (turbidimetric, colorimetric, and gelation tests) without requiring separate light sources for each method. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by providing test method versatility while avoiding the increased device size that would result from multiple separate light emitting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple light emitting elements into a single light emitting element that can emit different wavelengths. By merging what would traditionally be separate components into one unified element, the device achieves multiple test capabilities without the cumulative size increase that would normally accompany multiple discrete components.
2Measurement precision
If optical components are provided to guide light from light emitting elements to specimens, then light guidance accuracy is improved, but the size of the test device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex optical guidance components from the system by utilizing the inherent directional emission properties of the light emitting element. Instead of adding separate optical components to guide light, the design extracts the guidance function into the light emitting element itself, achieving accurate light delivery to specimens without the size penalty of additional optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting element is designed to simultaneously provide both light generation and light guidance functions. By making the light emitting element multi-functional, the device achieves accurate light guidance to specimens without requiring separate dedicated optical components, thereby maintaining compact device dimensions while preserving measurement precision.
3Volume of moving object
If optical components are simplified to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but test accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the light emitting element to emit light at specific wavelengths and directions that are optimal for multiple test methods. By optimizing the light emission parameters, the device achieves accurate test results with simplified optical components, resolving the contradiction between compactness and test accuracy without requiring complex optical guidance systems.
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
The device allows for accurate endotoxin or (1→3)-β-D-glucan testing using multiple methods while maintaining a compact size, ensuring precise light incidence and reducing false signals through the use of parallel light guidance and shielding.
Implementation Method 1
a first light guide path that guides light emitted by the light emitting element, and a second light guide path that is formed thinner than the first light guide path and that guides the light emitted by the light emitting element from the first light guide path to the specimen
Implementation Method 2
a light-receiving element that receives light transmitted or scattered by the specimen for each specimen
Data Source
AI summary
A test device includes a specimen having a circular cross section that accommodates a test target, a specimen holding part that holds a plurality of the specimens in a row, light emitting elements in which light is incident on two adjacent specimens among the plurality of specimens, a first light guide path 46 that guides light emitted by the light emitting elements, and a second light guide path that is formed to have a smaller diameter than a diameter of the first light guide path and that guides the light emitted by the light emitting elements from the first light guide path to the specimen.