Hematocrit Measurement Using Multi-Angle Light Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

The measurement precision of fluids is reduced due to changes in fluid components affecting the relationship among scatter components, particularly when using side scattered light, which is not effectively harnessed in existing methods.

Innovation Solution

A measuring apparatus and method that utilize three light receivers to detect forward, backscatter, and side scatter components of light scattered by a fluid, allowing for accurate fluid information output by using the sum of backscatter and side scatter components in conjunction with forward scatter components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If side scattered light is used for measurement, then measurement information can be obtained, but measurement precision is reduced due to changes in fluid components affecting the relationship among scatter components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidfluid component variability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The scattered light is segmented into three distinct components: forward scattered light, backscattered light, and side scattered light. Each component is detected by a separate light receiver, allowing independent measurement of each scatter component. This segmentation enables the system to capture comprehensive scattering information while maintaining measurement precision despite fluid component variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system transitions from detecting only forward and backscattered light to including side scattered light detection. By adding the side scatter component detection at a substantially perpendicular angle to the optical axis, the system expands the measurement dimensionality, capturing more comprehensive fluid information that remains stable across different fluid compositions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple scatter components are detected, then fluid information can be measured, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid information measurementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating three light receivers that can detect different scatter components simultaneously. Each receiver serves a specific detection function, but collectively they provide comprehensive fluid characterization. This universal design allows the same device structure to handle various fluid types and compositions without requiring additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the detection of forward, backscatter, and side scatter components into a single integrated measurement process. By combining the signals from all three light receivers, the system achieves comprehensive fluid information measurement. The control unit processes all three signals together to determine fluid properties, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems for each scatter component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 more precise fluid information measurement, such as hematocrit values, by establishing a fixed relation between the sum of backscatter and side scatter components and forward scatter components, improving measurement accuracy compared to using only one or two scatter components.

Implementation Method 1

irradiation light is scattered in a plurality of directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a first light receiver configured to receive a forward scatter component of scattered light; a second light receiver configured to receive a backscatter component of the scattered light; a third light receiver configured to receive a side scatter component of the scattered light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3690425B1Measurement device and measurement method for hematoctrit
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 AIR WATER BIODESIGN INC
  • EP3690425B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690425B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3690425B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A measuring apparatus is provided with: an irradiator configured to irradiate fluid with light; a first light receiver configured to receive a forward scatter component of scattered light scattered by the fluid; a second light receiver configured to receive a backscatter component of the scattered light; a third light receiver configured to receive a side scatter component of the scattered light; and an outputting device configured to output fluid information about the fluid, which is obtained on the basis of light receiving signals of the first light receiver, the second light receiver, and the third light receiver. According to this measuring apparatus, it is possible to output accurate fluid information because of the use of the forward scatter component, the backscatter component, and the side scatter component of the scattered light.