LED Blood Coagulation Analyzer with Optical Fiber Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood coagulation analyzers with halogen lamps are bulky, have short lifespans, and require precise optical axis alignment, which complicates the analyzer configuration and increases the risk of misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The use of LEDs with optical fiber couplers and dichroic mirrors to apply light of different wavelengths for blood coagulation analysis, reducing the size of the analyzer, extending the life of the light sources, and simplifying optical axis alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a halogen lamp and filter unit are used for blood coagulation analysis, then light of different wavelengths can be applied, but the analyzer becomes bulky and the light source has a short lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light source system into multiple independent LED units, each emitting a specific wavelength. Instead of using one broadband halogen lamp with rotating filters, the patent employs multiple segmented LED light sources (e.g., 405nm, 460nm, 530nm, 630nm LEDs) that can be independently controlled and positioned, thereby eliminating the need for bulky mechanical filter units while extending light source lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical filter unit system (which requires rotation mechanisms and precise alignment) with a static array of LED light sources. This substitution eliminates moving parts and complex mechanical alignment requirements, reducing the analyzer size while maintaining the capability to apply different wavelengths for various measurement items.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a halogen lamp with rotating filter unit is used, then different wavelengths can be sequentially applied, but optical axis alignment becomes complex and prone to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple independent LED light sources, each with its own fixed optical path. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single complex optical axis that must be precisely aligned with rotating filters. Each LED can be independently positioned and aligned, simplifying the overall optical configuration while maintaining the ability to select different wavelengths for different measurement items.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single broadband light source and filtering out unwanted wavelengths (subtraction approach), the invention inverts the approach by using multiple narrow-band LED light sources that directly emit the required wavelengths (additive approach). This inversion simplifies the optical path design and alignment requirements, as each LED's emission direction can be independently optimized without needing to block other wavelengths.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple LED light sources are used with optical fiber couplers, then the analyzer size is reduced and light source life is extended, but precise optical coupling must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber couplers and connection structures are designed and pre-aligned during manufacturing to establish stable optical paths before the analyzer is put into service. This preliminary alignment and fixation of optical components ensures that the optical coupling remains stable during operation, eliminating the need for frequent realignment while maintaining measurement reliability. The optical paths are fixed and sealed to prevent misalignment due to vibrations or thermal 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
This configuration allows for a compact, long-lasting blood coagulation analyzer with reduced optical axis misalignment, providing reproducible analysis results by using LEDs and optical fibers to deliver precise light wavelengths for coagulation analysis.
Implementation Method 1
optical fiber parts facing the respective light sources
Implementation Method 2
The use of LEDs with optical fiber couplers and dichroic mirrors to apply light of different wavelengths
Data Source
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AI summary
A blood coagulation analyzer (100) comprises: a light irradiation unit (10) configured to apply light onto a container (15) configured to store a measurement specimen containing a sample and a reagent, and comprising: light sources (21, 22, 23) including a first light source (21) configured to generate light of a first wavelength for blood coagulation time measurement, a second light source (22) configured to generate light of a second wavelength for synthetic substrate measurement, and a third light source (23) configured to generate light of a third wavelength for immunonephelometry measurement; and optical fiber parts (31) facing the respective light sources (21, 22, 23); a light reception part (11) configured to receive light transmitted through the container (15); and an analysis unit (12) configured to analyze the sample using an electric signal outputted from the light reception part (11).