Compact Spectrometer Separates Measurement from External Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrometers are too large and unwieldy for portable on-site measurements, limiting their use in analyzing fluid samples due to their integrated evaluation and display capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A compact spectrometer design where the measurement of fluid samples is separated from the evaluation of measurement results, with the spectrometer only responsible for measuring and transmitting signals to an external electronic device for evaluation, allowing for a portable and compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spectrometer includes integrated evaluation and display capabilities, then the measurement functionality is complete and self-sufficient, but the device becomes too large and unwieldy for portable on-site measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrometer system is divided into separate functional modules: a compact measurement unit containing only the light source, sample holder, and detector, and an external evaluation device that performs data processing and displays results. This segmentation allows the measurement unit to be portable while the evaluation functions are handled externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation and display functions are extracted from the measurement unit and placed in an external device. The measurement unit retains only the essential measurement components (light source, sample holder, detector), making it compact and portable, while the external device handles the complex evaluation and display tasks.
2Ease of operation
If the spectrometer integrates all measurement and evaluation functions, then the device is self-sufficient, but the size and weight increase making it unsuitable for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy evaluation and display components are extracted from the measurement unit and placed in an external device that the user already possesses (such as a smartphone or computer). This leaves the measurement unit lightweight and portable, containing only the essential measurement components.
Solution Approach 2:
The external evaluation device is assumed to be a multi-functional device that the user already possesses (smartphone, computer, tablet), which can handle evaluation, display, and potentially other tasks. This eliminates the need to carry a dedicated evaluation unit, reducing the weight of the portable measurement device.
3Ease of operation
If the spectrometer includes onboard evaluation capabilities, then the measurement process is complete within the device, but the device becomes unwieldy and difficult to use portably
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a simple measurement unit and an external evaluation device. The measurement unit contains only the components necessary for acquiring spectral data (light source, sample holder, detector), while the evaluation device handles data processing, analysis, and display, reducing the complexity of the portable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A data transmission interface (such as USB, Bluetooth, or other communication protocol) acts as an intermediary between the measurement unit and the external evaluation device, enabling seamless data transfer without requiring complex integration of evaluation functions within the measurement unit itself.
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 the creation of a portable spectrometer that can efficiently analyze fluid samples by offloading evaluation tasks to external devices, enhancing usability and compactness without the need for onboard display or evaluation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement method underlying spectrometers is based on the well-known physical phenomenon that a light beam experiences attenuation (extinction) when it penetrates a fluid. The attenuation is proportional to the concentration of the analyte and the measurement distance in the fluid that the light beam must traverse. This physical relationship is described by the Lambert-Beer law of extinction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a measuring apparatus (100) designed to analyze a fluid sample (3) or a luminescent sample (52), wherein the measuring apparatus (100) comprises a radiation receiver device (6, 56) for receiving a light beam guided along a measurement path through the fluid sample or radiation emitted by the luminescent sample (52), and wherein the measuring apparatus comprises at least one connection device (36) for connecting an external electronic device (37) for transferring the measurement signals of the radiation receiver device (6, 56) to an evaluation device (109) of the external electronic device (37) for evaluating the measurement signals.