Floating Manifold Flow Cell for Light Scattering Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light scattering instruments face challenges with realignment and maintenance, particularly when replacing flow cells, due to misalignment issues and the need for specialized expertise, which disrupts laboratory workflows and Process Analytic Technology (PAT) applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a 'floating manifold' with exact-constraint design allows for independent alignment of the flow cell within the read head, reducing stacked tolerances and enabling easy replacement of flow cells without realigning the optical system, facilitating quick maintenance and interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flow cells are used in light scattering instruments, then optical measurements can be performed, but realignment and maintenance require specialized expertise and cause workflow disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is designed as a separate, replaceable module that can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the optical alignment of the instrument. This segmentation allows non-expert personnel to perform maintenance by simply swapping the flow cell module, eliminating the need for complex realignment procedures and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component with a limited service life. Once contaminated or worn, the entire flow cell module is replaced rather than cleaned or repaired, simplifying maintenance to a simple swap operation that requires no specialized skills and minimal downtime.
2Ease of repair
If flow cells are replaced in conventional instruments, then maintenance can be performed, but misalignment issues occur requiring realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell module is pre-aligned and pre-assembled with the optical components in a factory setting with precision equipment. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the module is installed in the instrument, the optical path is already correctly configured, eliminating the need for field realignment by maintenance personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features such as precision-machined surfaces, registration pins, or mechanical stops act as intermediaries between the flow cell module and the instrument housing. These features automatically maintain precise optical alignment during installation without requiring the operator to perform alignment adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If traditional flow cell designs are used, then optical measurements can be made, but the system complexity increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell, optical windows, sealing elements, and alignment features are merged into a single integrated module. This consolidation ensures that all optical components maintain their relative positions and alignment, simplifying the overall system while preserving measurement precision. The module is designed and tested as a complete unit before installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell module is designed as a universal component that incorporates multiple functions: sample containment, optical transmission, sealing, and alignment reference. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement 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
This solution simplifies the alignment process, reduces downtime, and allows non-expert personnel to perform maintenance, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of light scattering instruments, especially in PAT environments, by maintaining precise alignment and tolerances for accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A light beam 109, generally from a laser source, is directed to pass through the optical windows, 105 along the same path as the liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
This technique of measuring the intensity of the light scattered by a liquid sample as a function of angle is referred to as multiangle light scattering (MALS)
Data Source
AI summary
A new liquid flow cell assembly for light scattering measurements is disclosed which utilized a floating manifold system. The assembly operates with minimal stacked tolerances by aligning the cell to the windows within a manifold and independently aligning the cell to the read head directly. This configuration enables the ability to replace the flow cell or the flow cell/manifold assembly within a light scattering instrument without the need to realign the flow through elements with the light scattering illumination source while still maintaining reproducible, quality data. Some embodiments employ wide bore cells which enable the measurement of process analytic technology (PAT) including online monitoring of reactions.