Cuvette Alignment Using Light Beam Gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for aligning cuvette segments on clinical chemistry instruments are inefficient, relying on visual inspection and manual adjustments with shims, which do not account for tolerances and do not ensure optimal positioning of cuvette windows relative to the photometer light beam.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a light beam gauge to mark the cuvette windows, ensuring proper vertical alignment by engaging the gauge with the reaction ring's end slots and indexing, followed by visual confirmation of alignment through scoring on the windows, facilitating precise cuvette placement for photometric measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If visual inspection and manual shims are used for aligning cuvette segments, then the alignment process can be performed with simple tools, but the alignment precision and reliability are insufficient due to tolerances and lack of optimal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
A light beam gauge is introduced as an intermediary tool to establish a reference alignment system. The gauge includes a vertical reaction ring gauge with end slots and a light beam gauge component that projects a visible light beam through the cuvette window, serving as a mediator between the alignment system and the cuvette positioning process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical visual inspection methods with an optical system. A light source projects a light beam through the cuvette window, and the alignment is verified by observing the light beam's passage, substituting mechanical measurement with optical measurement for higher precision
2Measurement precision
If conventional visual inspection methods are used for alignment, then the operation is simple, but the measurement precision and alignment accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the visibility of light (optical property) to indicate proper alignment. When the cuvette window is correctly positioned, the light beam passes through it, providing a clear visual signal. This transforms the invisible alignment state into a visible one through light transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The light beam gauge acts as an intermediary that provides objective measurement criteria. Instead of relying on operator judgment of visual alignment, the light beam gauge provides a standardized reference that simplifies the operation while improving precision
3Reliability
If manual adjustment with shims is performed, then the alignment process can be completed without specialized equipment, but the reliability of alignment is compromised due to tolerances in segments and cuvettes
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical reaction ring gauge with precisely positioned end slots serves as an intermediary reference standard. This gauge provides a reliable geometric reference that compensates for tolerances in the segments and cuvettes, ensuring consistent alignment across multiple measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system performs preliminary verification by checking if the light beam gauge can engage the end slots in the vertical reaction ring gauge before final cuvette positioning. This preliminary action ensures the reaction ring is properly aligned, establishing a reliable foundation for subsequent cuvette placement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A method for aligning a reaction ring in an analyzer system using a gauge vertical reaction ring comprising at least one end slot includes inserting a light beam gauge into an aperture operable to hold the light beam gauge at a height corresponding to a photometer included in the analyzer system. The gauge vertical reaction ring is rotated on the reaction ring until the light beam gauge engages the end slot to confirm alignment of the reaction ring with the photometer.