Inline Optical Sensor Modular Flowcell Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inline optical sensors and flowcells face challenges with proper drainage and sealing, especially with smaller line sizes, and require multiple sets of windows for varying optical pathlengths, which complicates sanitation and alignment of light sources and detectors.
Innovation Solution
A modular inline optical sensor with a standardized flowcell block and interchangeable adapters for different line sizes, using controlled compression gaskets for sealing and adjustable spacers for optical pathlength, along with vernier adjusters for precise alignment and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flowcells are manufactured with passageways corresponding to different line sizes, then proper drainage is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized flowcell body with a fixed passageway size that can accommodate multiple product line sizes through interchangeable adapters. The adapters serve as the variable component that matches different line diameters (e.g., 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch), allowing one flowcell design to perform multiple functions across different applications without requiring custom-manufactured flowcells for each line size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flowcell system into two distinct components: a standardized flowcell body and interchangeable adapters. This segmentation allows the flowcell body to be manufactured once with optimized drainage characteristics, while the adapters provide the variability needed to match different product line sizes. The adapters can be easily attached and detached from the flowcell body, enabling flexible configuration without redesigning the entire flowcell assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If windows of different lengths are used to change optical pathlength, then pathlength adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical pathlength adjustable rather than fixed. Instead of using different window lengths for different pathlength requirements, the system uses a single window assembly with interchangeable spacers that can be positioned to create varying distances between the light source and detector. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the same physical hardware to adapt to different measurement requirements by simply changing the spacer position or type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spacers as intermediary components between the light source and detector to control the optical pathlength. These spacers act as mediators that can be interchangeably positioned to establish different pathlengths (e.g., 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 5.0 mm, 10.0 mm, 20.0 mm) without requiring different window assemblies. The spacers provide a simple, modular way to adjust pathlength by inserting or removing spacer elements.
3Reliability
If O-ring gaskets are used for sealing windows, then sealing is achieved, but ease of sanitation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional O-ring gaskets to a different sealing mechanism that is more suitable for sanitation. The invention uses a sealing ring or gasket with a modified structure or material property that allows it to withstand CIP (clean-in-place) and SIP (steam-in-place) procedures. This may involve using materials resistant to sterilization, designing the gasket to be easily replaceable, or configuring the sealing interface to allow complete drainage and drying, thereby maintaining sealing effectiveness while improving sanitation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Inline optical sensor which includes a modular flowcell block with a flow passageway of predetermined diameter, interchangeable adapters for connecting flow lines with different internal diameters to the block, and an optical pathlength that can be adjusted both in fixed increments with window spacers and continuously with vernier adjusters, and a light source and an optical detector in modular housings which can be aligned both radially and axially. Thermal isolation is provided between the housings and the flowcell body, and air circulation further reduces temperature and condensation within the housings.