Handheld Optical Density Instrument with Base Station
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instruments for measuring optical density of microbiological samples are limited by poor visibility, interference from light sources, leaks, and high manufacturing costs, making them inefficient and costly for continuous use during sample preparation.
Innovation Solution
A handheld optical density instrument with a base station, featuring an optical test platform that accommodates a sample tube, an emitter for light emission, sensors for light detection, and an illumination light for visual inspection, allowing for continuous measurement while minimizing interference and ensuring safety and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing optical density instruments are used for continuous measurement during sample preparation, then measurement capability is provided, but visibility is poor and interference from light sources occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into a handheld unit and a base station. The handheld unit contains the optical components (emitter and sensor) and can be separated from the base station, allowing flexible positioning and reducing light interference from the base station while maintaining continuous measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A cavity is introduced as an intermediary space between the emitter and sensor, allowing the sample tube to be positioned in a controlled environment that minimizes light interference while maintaining optical communication for continuous measurement.
2Reliability
If existing instruments are used, then optical density measurement is achieved, but leaks and electrical damage to internal components occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical components (emitter and sensor) are extracted from the base station and placed in the handheld unit. This separation protects the internal electrical components in the base station from potential leaks and damage while maintaining measurement reliability through the protected optical path in the handheld unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld unit provides a protected enclosure for the optical components, creating a sealed environment that prevents leaks from affecting the internal components while allowing continuous measurement operation.
3Reliability
If existing instruments are used, then measurement function is provided, but manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into a handheld unit with essential optical components and a base station for support functions. This allows manufacturing of the handheld unit at a lower cost while maintaining measurement reliability, and the base station can be manufactured separately with standard components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station is designed to be compatible with multiple handheld units, allowing the expensive optical components to be reused across multiple devices. This reduces the average manufacturing cost per instrument while maintaining reliable measurement function.
4Measurement precision
If sample tubes are inserted in the optical test platform, then optical density measurement is enabled, but the instrument becomes less portable and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical test platform is integrated into the handheld unit as a separate module, allowing precise positioning of sample tubes for measurement while keeping the overall instrument structure simple and portable. The platform can be easily attached and detached from the base station.
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
The solution provides increased safety, comfort, efficiency, and convenience for users by enabling continuous measurement of optical density, reducing interference, and improving visibility, while also addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter positioned within the handheld unit at the bottom portion of the optical test platform such that the emitter is configured to emit light into the cavity, and the emitter is configured to emit light into the first sample tube when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical test platform
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor positioned in optical communication with the emitter via the cavity, such that the at least one sensor is configured to receive the emitted light from the cavity, and such that the at least one sensor is configured to receive light emitted by the emitter and passing through the first sample tube when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical test platform
Implementation Method 3
an illumination light positioned at the bottom portion of the optical test platform that is configured to illuminate the first sample tube when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical test platform
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Instruments, systems, and methods for measuring optical density of microbiological samples are provided. In particular, optical density instruments providing improved safety, efficiency, comfort, and convenience are provided. Such optical density instruments include a handheld portion and a base station. The optical density instruments may be used in systems and methods for measuring optical density of biological samples.