Extruded Cuvette Channels for Variable-Length Spectroscopic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cuvettes require different designs and manufacturing for varying lengths, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to varying inlet and outlet positions.
Innovation Solution
A cuvette design with a measuring section and an auxiliary channel that allows for flexible length adjustment, ensuring consistent inlet and outlet positioning regardless of cuvette length, facilitated by an extruded cuvette body with integrated channels and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If cuvettes of different lengths are used, then the analysis path length is improved, but the inlet and outlet positions vary requiring different designs and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cuvette design where the inlet and outlet are positioned at fixed locations on the cuvette body, allowing the same basic design to be used across multiple length variants. The auxiliary channel system enables gas to reach the measuring section regardless of cuvette length, making the inlet/outlet positioning independent of the overall cuvette length and eliminating the need for different designs for different lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the gas flow path into two separate channels: a measuring section where light passes through the gas sample, and an auxiliary channel that transports gas from the inlet to the measuring section. This segmentation allows the auxiliary channel to handle the variable-length connection while the measuring section maintains consistent inlet/outlet positioning, resolving the contradiction between length variability and design consistency.
2Productivity
If metal tubes are used to guide gas through the cuvette, then gas transport is improved, but manufacturing and inventory effort increases due to varying connection positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gas transport function and the measuring section function into a single integrated cuvette body. The auxiliary channel and measuring section are combined structures within the same cuvette, eliminating the need for separate metal tubes and external connections. This integration maintains efficient gas transport while standardizing the connection points, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If inlet and outlet are positioned at fixed points, then manufacturing is simplified, but gas flow through the full length of the cuvette is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by using a three-dimensional channel arrangement within the cuvette body. The auxiliary channel and measuring section are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations, allowing gas to travel the full effective length through the measuring section while inlet and outlet remain positioned at standardized locations on the cuvette exterior. This dimensional arrangement enables both fixed positioning and full-length gas flow.
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 interchangeable cuvettes of different lengths without adapters, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining consistent fluid or gas flow and analysis accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Depending on the components it contains and their concentration, the gas to be analyzed absorbs different wavelength ranges to varying degrees, so that the radiation intensity on the receiver side is reduced. This enables reliable detection of the corresponding gas components (via the transmitted or absorbed wavelengths) and their concentration (via the intensity).
Data Source
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AI summary
A cuvette (1) for fluid or gas analysis, wherein the cuvette (1) comprises a cuvette body (2) with a measuring section (3). Fluid or gas for analysis can be introduced into the measuring section (3), wherein the measuring section (3) extends longitudinally along the cuvette body (2) and wherein light can be coupled into the at least one measuring section (3). The cuvette body (2) comprises a first end (5a), a second end (5b), an inlet (6), an outlet (7), and at least one first auxiliary channel (8), wherein the fluid or gas to be analyzed can be supplied to the cuvette (1) via the inlet (6) and discharged via the outlet (7). The first auxiliary channel (8) extends in the longitudinal direction (4) of the cuvette body (2), wherein the first auxiliary channel (8) is connected to the measuring section (3) and wherein the inlet (6) is connected to the outlet (7) via the measuring section (3) and the first auxiliary channel (8).