Cuvette with Segmented Circular and Square Cross-Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cuvettes face issues with reproducibility of measurement results due to variable light refraction and reflection when rotated, and require complex analyzer configurations, while also having inefficient stirring mechanisms that prolong the stirring time of specimens and reagents.
Innovation Solution
A cuvette design featuring a first body part with circular inner and outer surfaces for consistent light exposure, a second body part with a square inner surface and circular outer surface for efficient stirring, and a third body part with a tapered inner surface to facilitate sample flow, along with a flange and light absorption area for stable measurement and reduced complexity in analyzer design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a square cylindrical portion is used for measurement, then the cuvette can be held and vibrated for stirring, but the measurement reproducibility deteriorates when the cuvette rotates due to variable light refraction and reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The cuvette is divided into two distinct portions: a first body part with a circular cross-section for measurement, and a second body part with a square cross-section for handling and stirring. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its function independently, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and stirring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cuvette are given different geometric properties: the first body part has a circular cross-section optimized for optical measurement, while the second body part has a square cross-section optimized for grasping and vibration-induced stirring. This local differentiation allows each region to serve its specific function effectively.
2Measurement precision
If the analyzer is configured to prevent cuvette rotation, then measurement reproducibility is maintained, but the analyzer structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cuvette design makes the measurement portion self-aligning through its circular cross-section, which inherently provides consistent optical properties regardless of rotational position. This eliminates the need for complex analyzer mechanisms to control cuvette orientation, as the cuvette itself ensures measurement consistency.
3Ease of manufacture
If a circular inner surface is used, then the cuvette can be easily molded, but the sample flow is not sufficiently disturbed during vibration, requiring long stirring time
Solution Approach 1:
The second body part features a square inner surface with bent parts that create turbulence and disturb sample flow during vibration, while the first body part maintains a circular cross-section for easy molding and optimal measurement. This local differentiation of surface geometry resolves the contradiction between molding ease and stirring efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent parts on the inner surface of the second body part introduce curvature variations that disrupt laminar flow and enhance mixing during vibration, while the overall circular cross-section of the first body part maintains molding simplicity. The strategic use of curvature variations locally enhances stirring without compromising manufacturing ease.
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 design ensures stable measurement results regardless of orientation, reduces stirring time by disturbing the sample flow with bent parts, and simplifies analyzer components by maintaining consistent light exposure, while allowing for efficient resin molding and sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
the bent parts 6c disturbs the flow of the measurement sample S, whereby the specimen and the reagent can be stirred
Implementation Method 2
an angle at which light enters from a light source is not constant with respect to a wall surface of the square cylindrical portion. In this case, the state of refraction or reflection of light by the wall surface varies
Implementation Method 3
the state of refraction or reflection of light by the wall surface varies
Implementation Method 4
The inner surface 7a of the third body part 7 is tapered such that opposed surfaces are inclined symmetrical with respect to a central axis of the cuvette 1
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A cuvette capable of suppressing the complication of the structure of each part of an analyzer and enabling the stirring of a specimen in a short time. The cuvette comprises a first body part positioned on a bottom part side, having inner and outer surfaces of circular shape in horizontal cross section, and receiving a measuring beam and a second body part positioned on an opening side, having an inner surface of non-circular shape in horizontal cross section and an outer surface of circular shape in horizontal cross section.