Flow Path Plate Cutouts for Optical Alignment in Analyzing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analyzing devices require frequent washing and precise alignment of optical components with new flow cells, leading to inefficiencies and extended analysis times due to incomplete dirt removal and complex reconfiguration processes.
Innovation Solution
The analyzing device incorporates a flow path plate with a rectangular shape and integrated light permeability, featuring a pair of cutouts for the light emitting and receiving units, facilitating easy alignment and replacement of optical components, and an optical detection cell within the flow path plate for improved maintenance and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flow cell is frequently washed with wash solution to analyze various samples, then the analysis can be performed on multiple samples, but the washing process takes time and may not completely remove dirt, leading to eventual replacement need
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is divided into a flow path portion and a waste solution storage portion. The waste solution storage portion accumulates wash solutions and dirty liquids, separating them from the main flow path. This segmentation allows rapid washing without time-consuming manual intervention, as the waste solution is automatically directed to the storage portion.
Solution Approach 2:
A waste solution storage portion acts as an intermediary between the flow path and the external environment. It receives and stores wash solutions and dirty liquids, preventing them from contaminating the flow path. This intermediary structure enables rapid cleaning by providing a dedicated receptacle for waste fluids.
2Measurement precision
If the flow cell is replaced when washing becomes ineffective, then clean analysis is restored, but the replacement process requires precise alignment of optical components, taking a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The waste solution storage portion is pre-configured with alignment marks and structural features that guide the correct positioning of the flow cell. When replacing the flow cell, these pre-established reference features enable rapid alignment of optical components without time-consuming manual adjustment, as the alignment is already prepared in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell design includes self-aligning features where the waste solution storage portion and flow path portion automatically position themselves correctly relative to optical components during insertion. This self-service alignment mechanism eliminates the need for manual precision adjustment during replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow cell structure is complex to enable various functions, then more features are available, but the structure becomes difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is segmented into distinct functional portions: a flow path portion for sample analysis and a waste solution storage portion for accumulating wash solutions. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the flow path remains simple and easy to clean, while the waste storage portion handles complex washing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste solution storage portion is extracted as a separate functional element from the main flow path. This extraction removes the cleaning complexity from the critical flow path area, allowing the flow path to maintain a simple, easily cleanable structure while still providing comprehensive washing capabilities through the separate storage portion.
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 design enables rapid and accurate liquid analysis with simplified optical axis adjustment and stable precision, reducing analysis time and maintenance complexity, particularly suitable for point-of-care testing and various medical and environmental applications.
Implementation Method 1
the flow path plate has a light permeability... a light emitting unit having a light emitting lens and emitting light, and a light receiving unit including a light receiving lens and receiving the light... analyzing device analyzing the liquid flowing inside the flow path plate
Data Source
AI summary
An analyzing device includes a flow path plate having a flow path, through which a liquid flows, shaped like a rectangle, and having a light permeability, a light emitting unit having a light emitting lens and emitting light, and a light receiving unit including a light receiving lens and receiving the light, the analyzing device analyzing the liquid flowing inside the flow path plate, wherein the flow path plate has a pair of cutouts formed at an end face so as to face each other through a part of the flow path, wherein the pair of cutouts includes a first cutout in which the light emitting unit is disposed and a second cutout in which the light receiving unit is disposed.