Dual-Path Cuvette Layout for Multi-Concentration Fluid Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cuvettes require multiple analysis steps for fluids of different concentrations, leading to inefficiencies, increased error rates, and safety risks due to fluid handling and potential contamination.

Innovation Solution

A cuvette design with dual analysis sections of varying lengths allows simultaneous analysis of fluids with different concentrations, minimizing handling and reducing error rates through improved fluid management and integration with pipetting devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single cuvette uses intersecting analysis sections to analyze fluids of different concentrations, then the cuvette can handle multiple analysis types, but the workflow is interrupted by rotation and contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to analyze fluids of different concentrationsVSAvoidrisk of contamination and workflow interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cuvette is divided into separate, non-intersecting analysis sections (first analysis section and second analysis section) that are spatially separated. Each section has its own dedicated analysis path, allowing simultaneous analysis of different fluid concentrations without requiring rotation or causing cross-contamination between sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis sections are arranged in different spatial dimensions within the cuvette structure. The first analysis section and second analysis section are positioned such that their analysis paths do not intersect, utilizing three-dimensional space to accommodate multiple analysis functions simultaneously without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cuvettes are rotated to switch between analysis sections, then different concentration ranges can be analyzed, but time is lost and workflow efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis of different fluid concentrationsVSAvoidworkflow efficiency and analysis speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cuvette contains multiple distinct analysis sections (first and second analysis sections) with different path lengths, allowing the system to select the appropriate section for the desired concentration range without physical movement or rotation of the cuvette, thereby maintaining continuous workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis process continues uninterrupted because the cuvette remains in a fixed position while the system selectively uses different analysis sections. This eliminates the need for rotation or repositioning, ensuring continuous measurement without workflow interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If intersecting analysis paths are used in a cuvette, then multiple analysis sections can be integrated, but measurement distortion occurs in the intersection area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of multiple analysis sectionsVSAvoidaccuracy of analysis results
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The analysis sections are segmented into separate, non-overlapping regions within the cuvette. The first analysis section and second analysis section have distinct spatial boundaries and do not intersect, eliminating the measurement distortion that would occur in intersection areas while maintaining the ability to analyze different fluid concentrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient, safe, and cost-effective analysis of fluids with reduced error rates by allowing simultaneous analysis in a single cuvette, enhancing workflow efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The movement of a pump element creates a vacuum in the pipette tip, causing the liquid to rise into the tip.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

creates a vacuum in the pipette tip, causing the liquid to rise into the tip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

The air column moved by the pump element creates a fluid flow, which in turn moves the liquid into and out of the pipette tip.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 4

Absorption photometers have a shaft with a corresponding cross-section into which the cuvettes can be inserted. The beam path of the illumination device runs transversely through this cuvette shaft. The degree of attenuation of the beam path when passing through the sample, for example containing dyes (the attenuation due to the glass of the cuvette itself is taken into account as a constant), denotes the light absorption of the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption photometry: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP4699695A1Cuvette for analyzing a fluid
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 HOMBRECHTIKON SYST ENG AG
  • EP4699695A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4699695A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4699695A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a cuvette (1) for analyzing a fluid, comprising an interior space (2) for receiving the fluid, wherein the interior space (2) includes an analysis section (3) for analyzing the fluid. The analysis section (3) extends over two opposite sides (4, 5) of the cuvette (1). The cuvette (1) also includes a first opening (6) for filling the cuvette (1), wherein the fluid can be introduced into the interior space (2) via the first opening (6), and the analysis section (3) has a first analysis section (7) for analyzing the fluid and a second analysis section (8) for analyzing the fluid, wherein the first analysis section (7) is shorter than the second analysis section (8) such that fluids of different concentrations can be analyzed using the first analysis section (7) and the second analysis section (8).The first analysis section (7) and the second analysis section (8) extend from a first side (4) of the opposite sides (4, 5) of the cuvette (1) to a second side (5) of the opposite sides (4, 5) of the cuvette (1).