Cuvette-Less Spectrometer With Adjustable Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrometers require cuvettes for measurement, which are cumbersome to handle, prone to breakage, and limit flexibility in measuring varying analyte concentrations, especially for low or high concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A cuvette-less spectrometer design where the light source and photodetector are movable relative to each other, allowing for a variable measuring section, and the spectrometer can be immersed in the fluid sample, eliminating the need for cuvettes and enabling measurement of a wide range of concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cuvettes are used for measurement, then the spectrometer can measure analyte concentration, but the handling becomes cumbersome and the cuvettes are prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cuvette component entirely from the measurement system. Instead of using separate cuvettes to hold the fluid sample, the spectrometer directly immerses its light source and photodetector into the fluid sample container, eliminating the need for cuvette handling and reducing breakage risks while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fluid sample container and the measurement chamber into a single integrated structure. The container serves dual purposes: holding the fluid sample and providing the measurement chamber where the light beam traverses the sample, eliminating the need for separate cuvettes
2Measurement precision
If fixed cuvettes with fixed measuring distance are used, then the spectrometer can perform measurements, but the flexibility to measure varying analyte concentrations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the measuring distance by allowing the light source and photodetector to move relative to each other along the optical axis. This enables the measuring distance to be changed according to the concentration level being measured, providing flexibility for both low and high analyte concentrations without requiring multiple fixed cuvettes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables changing the physical parameter of measuring distance (path length) to adapt to different concentration ranges. By adjusting the distance between light source and photodetector, the system can optimize measurements for varying analyte concentrations, transforming a fixed-parameter system into a variable-parameter system
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cuvettes with different sizes are used for different concentrations, then the measurement range is extended, but the device complexity and handling burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where a single spectrometer with adjustable light source and photodetector positions can handle all concentration ranges. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized cuvettes, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility across different analyte concentrations
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 cuvette-less design simplifies handling, allows for precise adjustment of the measurement path, and enables accurate measurement of both high and low analyte concentrations without the need for multiple cuvettes, enhancing usability and accuracy.
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 relates to a spectrometer (1; 1') for measuring the concentration of at least one analyte in a fluid sample (2; 2'), comprising a light source (3; 3') for producing a light beam (4; 4'), a photosensor (5; 5') for receiving the light beam (4; 4'), and a measuring section (6; 6') in the beam path of the light beam (4' 4'), in which measuring section the fluid sample (2; 2') can be introduced, wherein the measuring section (6; 6') can be changed.