Fluid Analysis Apparatus Optical Alignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid analysis apparatuses face challenges in accurately recognizing the correct mounting of fluid accommodating cartridges, leading to incorrect inspection results and user inconvenience, especially when handling multiple cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A fluid analysis apparatus equipped with an actuator and a controller that aligns a light source and detection portion with the cartridge's well to ensure accurate inspection by adjusting the mounting based on optical signal width and strength, automatically correcting mis-installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional sensor is used to determine cartridge installation, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of mounting accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical sensor-based detection system with an optical measurement system. The measurement portion uses light transmission through the well to detect mounting accuracy, substituting mechanical sensing with optical field-based measurement to achieve higher precision in determining cartridge installation position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple presence/absence sensing to optical signal characteristics (light transmission intensity, pattern recognition). By measuring optical parameters such as light absorption and transmission patterns through the well, the system achieves more precise mounting accuracy recognition.
2Productivity
If manual re-installation is required for incorrect mounting, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity decreases due to user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting mounting errors through optical measurement and controlling the actuator to adjust the cartridge position. The apparatus serves itself by eliminating the need for user intervention in mounting corrections, thereby improving productivity and reducing operational inconvenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control loop where the measurement portion continuously monitors mounting accuracy, the controller processes the optical signal data to determine error states, and the actuator executes corrective movements. This closed-loop feedback system automatically maintains proper cartridge installation without user intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If the light transmission path is not precisely aligned with the well center, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of inspection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or simple mechanical alignment methods with an optical feedback-based alignment control system. The measurement portion uses light transmission patterns to detect misalignment, and the actuator automatically adjusts the relative positions of the light source, detector, and well to achieve precise centering, thereby ensuring high inspection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment adjustments automatically before the inspection process begins. The actuator pre-positions the light transmission path to pass through the well center based on optical measurement feedback, ensuring that subsequent inspections are conducted with optimal alignment without requiring manual intervention during operation.
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 enhances the accuracy of fluid sample analysis, reduces user inconvenience, and improves productivity by ensuring precise alignment and inspection of fluid samples within the cartridge.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement portion configured to transmit light to the fluid accommodating cartridge and detect an optical signal from the light passed through the fluid accommodating cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluid analysis apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The fluid analysis apparatus include an actuator provided on a part of the fluid analysis apparatus, a mounting portion on which a fluid accommodating cartridge is mounted thereon, the fluid accommodating cartridge provided with a well in which a fluid sample is accommodated, a measurement portion configured to transmit light to the fluid accommodating cartridge and detect an optical signal from the light passed through the fluid accommodating cartridge, and a controller configured to control an operation of the actuator based on the optical signal detected by the measurement portion such that the light transmitted from the measurement portion passes through a central portion of the well to perform an accurate inspection on the fluid sample.