Dual-Opening Cuvette for Faster Optical Sample Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cuvettes require manual placement and separation for analysis, leading to time-consuming and inflexible fluid sample processing, with no easy recovery of valuable samples without risk of contamination.

Innovation Solution

A cuvette with upper and lower openings for sample introduction and analysis, combined with a pipetting device and laboratory automation system, allowing flexible and rapid analysis by using separate or integrated radiation source and detection devices, and enabling easy sample recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cuvettes are manually placed and separated for analysis, then optical analysis can be performed, but processing time increases and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical analysis capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cuvette is divided into two separate openings: an upper opening for sample introduction and a lower opening for radiation detection. This segmentation allows simultaneous sample loading and optical analysis, eliminating the need for manual placement and separation steps, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sample is introduced into the cuvette through the upper opening before the optical analysis is performed through the lower opening. This preliminary action of sample introduction enables the analysis to begin immediately without waiting for manual placement, thus reducing processing time while ensuring accurate optical measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If cuvettes are manually placed and separated for analysis, then optical analysis can be performed, but operational flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical analysis capabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-opening design separates sample introduction (upper opening) from analysis (lower opening), allowing independent optimization of each function. This enables flexible operational modes including continuous analysis, sample recovery, and integration with automated systems, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cuvette design allows dynamic operation where samples can be introduced, analyzed, and recovered in sequence. The separate openings enable the system to adapt to different operational requirements such as analyzing small sample volumes, performing multiple measurements, or recovering valuable samples without contamination, thus enhancing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If samples are analyzed in cuvettes without separate openings, then analysis can be performed, but sample recovery becomes difficult and contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidsample recovery safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lower opening is positioned below the sample liquid level, allowing radiation to pass through the sample for analysis while keeping the opening clear of bulk liquid. This segmentation enables non-contact detection and safe sample recovery through the upper opening without contamination, maintaining both analysis capability and sample integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lower opening acts as an intermediary for radiation detection without requiring direct contact with the sample liquid. This mediator approach allows optical analysis to be performed while maintaining sample containment, enabling safe sample recovery and reducing contamination risk while preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates flexible and rapid analysis of fluid samples with easy sample recovery, reducing processing time and minimizing contamination risks.

Implementation Method 1

They are analyzed, for example, using absorption, reflection, emission, fluorescence, Raman, or luminescence spectroscopy in the UV-VIS or IR wavelength range.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

Luminescence spectroscopy is a particularly important analytical method for biomolecules, where the emission light generated by photon absorption by the biomolecules is analyzed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP4700364A1Method of analyzing a sample in a cuvette, cuvette, pipetting device and automatic laboratory apparatus for carrying out the method
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 HOMBRECHTIKON SYST ENG AG
  • EP4700364A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4700364A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP4700364A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for analyzing a fluid sample (71) using radiation. The method comprises providing a cuvette (1) comprising a cuvette body (10) with an interior space (14) for receiving the fluid sample (71), an upper opening (11) for filling and removing the fluid sample (71), and a lower opening (12) for analyzing the fluid sample (71) using radiation. Furthermore, the method comprises introducing the fluid sample (71) into the interior space (14), irradiating the fluid sample (71) with primary radiation (81), and analyzing the fluid sample (71) by detecting secondary radiation (82) originating from the fluid sample (71) using a detection device (8).