Dual-Path Optical Drop Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing and handling small liquid amounts, such as pendant drops, face challenges in accuracy and repeatability due to the need for container placement, which can lead to liquid loss.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a camera with a beam splitter and reflector elements, allowing simultaneous or successive imaging from two different directions, enabling precise determination of a drop's three-dimensional position and extension without the need for container placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a pendant drop is used for measurement without container placement, then liquid loss is avoided, but measurement accuracy and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dual-light-path optical imaging to capture drop images from two different spatial dimensions simultaneously. By combining information from both light paths, the system achieves high-precision measurement of drop position and extension without requiring the drop to be placed in a container, thus maintaining liquid integrity while improving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If container placement is used for measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but liquid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from traditional container-based systems and implements it directly in the optical path. By using the dual-light-path imaging system to directly measure the pendant drop in its natural state, the system eliminates the need for container placement and the associated liquid loss while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If dual light path imaging is implemented, then drop position and extension determination accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two light paths into a single imaging system that captures images from both directions simultaneously. By combining the optical paths and using image fusion algorithms, the system achieves high-precision three-dimensional drop characterization without requiring separate measurement devices, thus managing complexity while improving accuracy.
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 device allows for accurate and repeatable measurement of liquid concentrations in drops, enabling precise control of drop position and size, which is essential for accurate absorption and fluorescence measurements.
Implementation Method 1
light can be reflected along the first light path on a first reflector element in the direction of the beam splitter and can pass through the beam splitter to the objective. On the other hand, light can be reflected along the second light path on a second reflector element in the direction of the beam splitter and can be reflected at the beam splitter towards the objective
Implementation Method 2
The beam splitter thus forms an optical branching. It lets light partially pass and partially reflects light.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining a position and/or an extension of a drop in a position determination space, where the device has a camera having an objective and a beam splitter in the recording area of the camera, and the device is designed in such a way that light coming from the position determination space can enter the objective of the camera along a first light path as well as along a second light path, where light along the first light path can be reflected at a first reflector element in the direction of the beam splitter and can be transmitted through the beam splitter towards the objective, and where light along the second light path can be reflected at a second reflector element in the direction of the beam splitter and can be reflected at the beam splitter towards the objective.