Interferometric Sample Testing Device with Waveguide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample testing devices face inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to structural limitations, environmental temperature variations, and contamination, which affect their ability to detect viral indicators and protein content in samples effectively.

Innovation Solution

A sample testing device utilizing interferometry with a waveguide and integrated optical components, including a collimator, beam splitter, and lens array, coupled with a light source and imaging component, to detect interference fringe patterns and determine sample identity through refractive index analysis, and a computer-implemented method for processing interference fringe data to identify samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing sample testing devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to structural limitations and environmental temperature variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a waveguide module for light transmission, an optical component module with collimator and beam splitter, a sample chamber module, and a detection module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall measurement precision without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A waveguide acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the sample chamber, controlling and directing light propagation. This intermediary structure enables precise optical path management and reduces the impact of environmental temperature variations on measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If existing testing methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to contamination and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sample introduction system is designed to extract and isolate the sample from the external environment before it enters the measurement chamber. This extraction approach removes contaminants and environmental interferents, enabling faster and more reliable testing without compromising productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sample chamber and optical paths are designed to maintain a controlled, contamination-free environment. By creating an inert measurement environment, the device achieves higher productivity through reduced retesting and improved reliability of results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If existing devices are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability worsen due to environmental temperature variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental temperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The optical components and waveguide are designed with compensation features that anticipate and counteract the effects of temperature variations. This beforehand cushioning approach maintains detection reliability by pre-correcting for environmental temperature changes before they affect measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates temperature compensation mechanisms that adjust optical parameters (such as refraction indices and alignment) based on environmental temperature conditions. This parameter adjustment maintains reliable detection across varying temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of detecting viral indicators and protein content in samples by overcoming structural and environmental limitations, providing precise sample identification and reducing contamination effects.

Implementation Method 1

a waveguide and an integrated optical component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the beam splitter may comprise a first prism and a second prism... detect interference fringe patterns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS20230304937A1Apparatuses, systems, and methods for sample testing

Publication Date: 2023.09.28 HAND HELD PRODS INC

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with a sample testing device are provided.