Flow Cell Branch Section for Urine Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine analysis devices are complex and costly due to the need for separate optical systems for detection and imaging, which complicates structure and increases manufacturing costs, especially when dealing with varying sediment component flow speeds within the flow cell.
Innovation Solution
An analysis apparatus with a flow cell and a branch section that splits light into two optical paths, allowing for simultaneous imaging with two cameras having the same angle of view but different characteristics, reducing the need for multiple light sources and optical systems, and simplifying device control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate optical systems are provided for detection and imaging, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection optical system and imaging optical system into a single integrated optical path. The light source, flow cell, and imaging lens are shared between both functions, while only the detectors differ (photodiode for detection, camera for imaging). This consolidation eliminates the need for separate optical systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining both detection and imaging capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If separate optical systems are provided for detection and imaging, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the optical systems, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. The light source, flow cell, and imaging lens are shared resources, eliminating redundant purchases and simplifying the manufacturing process. This approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the precision benefits of dedicated detection and imaging pathways.
3Measurement precision
If delay time is adjusted based on passage position, then measurement precision is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the imaging function to automatically determine the passage position of sediment components, and this position information is directly fed back to adjust the delay time. The imaging system serves the dual purpose of both visualizing the sample and providing positional feedback for timing control, eliminating the need for separate complex positioning detection mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used for detection and imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single light source that serves both detection and imaging functions. This universal light source illuminates the flow cell for both the photodiode's detection of light transmission changes and the camera's capture of images. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate light sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the use of appropriate detectors for each function.
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 approach enables accurate and cost-effective detection and analysis of tangible components in urine samples by capturing images with different depths of field and resolutions, simplifying the device structure and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a flow cell which includes a flow path for a sample containing a tangible component
Implementation Method 2
a branch section configured to cause light having passed through the flow path to branch at least to a first optical path and a second optical path
Data Source
AI summary
Detection and analysis of a tangible component in a sample are implemented at lower cost. Provided is an analysis apparatus including a flow cell which includes a flow path for a sample, a branch section configured to cause light having passed through the flow path to branch at least to a first optical path and a second optical path, a first imaging section and a second imaging section configured to capture images of the sample in the flow path by using the light in the first optical path and the light in the second optical path, and a controller configured to process the captured images. The first imaging section and the second imaging section capture images that have the same angle of view but have different characteristics.