Integrated Filter Focusing Device for Remission Photometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectral measurement modules for biological and environmental samples are cost-intensive due to the use of separate glass filters, which are expensive to process and not compact in design.

Innovation Solution

A compact measurement module design where a filter layer, comprising materials like silicon oxide, tantalum pentoxide, and titanium oxide in an alternating sequence, is integrated with focusing devices to form a structural unit, eliminating the need for additional components and using a PVD vapor deposition process for high-purity thin-layer filter deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate glass filters are used for filtering secondary radiation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the filter function with the focusing device by depositing a multilayer interference filter structure directly onto the focusing device surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate glass filter components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to filter secondary radiation effectively. The filter and focusing device become a single unified component that performs both functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The focusing device is designed to serve multiple functions: it focuses the measurement beam onto the sample and simultaneously acts as a filter for secondary radiation through the deposited interference filter layers. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the measurement module while maintaining measurement accuracy.

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

2Measurement precision

If separate glass filters are used for filtering secondary radiation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the filter function into the focusing device through vapor deposition of multilayer interference structures, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate glass filter components. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs associated with handling multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical assembly of separate glass filter components with a vapor deposition process that creates an integrated filter structure directly on the focusing device. This substitution of manufacturing methodology reduces production complexity and cost while maintaining filter performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple separate components are used for filtering and focusing, then filtering effectiveness is improved, but module compactness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering effectivenessVSAvoidmodule compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the filter and focusing device into a single integrated component, which significantly reduces the space required in the measurement module. The multilayer interference filter structure is deposited directly onto the focusing device surface, eliminating the need for separate filter components and enabling a more compact module design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter function is nested within the focusing device structure itself, with the interference filter layers deposited directly on the focusing device surface. This nesting approach allows the filter functionality to be contained within the existing focusing device volume, maximizing compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 integrated filter system reduces costs and enhances handling by providing a cost-effective, compact module that effectively filters out secondary radiation, improving measurement accuracy and sample analysis efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The step of vapor deposition of the filter is preferably carried out by a PVD vapor deposition process using an ion beam assisted plasma source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Vapor Deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

The filter or the filter layer can thus be understood as an interference filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Implementation Method 3

Downstream of the transmission device is a first focusing device 5 in a transmission channel 3, which is designed as focusing beam optics and focuses the measurement radiation onto the sample 9 to be examined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 4

The radiation reflected by the sample 9 (so-called remission) is detected by a receiving device 8 in order to obtain the corresponding measured values... a second focusing device 6 is placed in front of it in a receiving channel 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP2893567B1Measuring module for remission photometric analysis
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 ROCHE DIABETES CARE GMBH
  • EP2893567B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2893567B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring module (1) for the remission photometric analysis of one (9) or a plurality of samples, comprising the following features: - a transmitting device (7) with a transmitting channel (3) for emitting a measuring radiation (12a) to the location of the sample (9); - a first focusing device (5) for focusing the measuring radiation onto the sample; - a receiving device (8) with a receiving channel (4) for receiving the radiation (12b) reflected by the sample; - a second focusing device (6) made of plastic for focusing the measuring radiation reflected by the sample onto the receiving device (8), characterized in that the second focusing device (6) further comprises a filter (11) configured to filter out fluorescence radiation from the sample excited by the measuring radiation.