LED Light Source Layout for Single-Beam Biochemical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of multiple LED light sources with different wavelength regions in biochemical analyzers poses challenges in combining their light rays into a single coherent beam, leading to difficulties in maintenance and efficiency due to the short life of tungsten lamps and the need for long-life LED alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A light source configuration using a dichroic prism and a light shielding unit to combine the light beams from ultraviolet and white color LEDs, with the dichroic prism reflecting ultraviolet light and allowing white light to pass through, and the light shielding unit reducing ultraviolet light exposure to the white LED package, ensuring efficient light utilization and extended LED life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED light sources with different wavelength regions are used, then the wavelength range coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases and it becomes difficult to form a single light beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LED light sources (ultraviolet LED and visible light LED) into a single integrated light source unit. The optical system merges the light beams from different wavelength LEDs into a unified beam path, allowing both wavelength regions to be delivered simultaneously while maintaining single-beam characteristics for the biochemical analyzer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediary elements including beam combining optics and optical filters that mediate between the multiple LED light sources and the final light beam. These intermediaries align and combine the different wavelength beams while filtering out unwanted ultraviolet light, enabling seamless integration of multiple sources into a single effective beam.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ultraviolet LED is used to excite phosphor for near-infrared emission, then the wavelength range is extended, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the phosphor conversion component from the light source system, eliminating the need for ultraviolet LED excitation of phosphor materials. Instead, the design uses directly emitted visible light LEDs that provide the required wavelength range without requiring complex phosphor conversion mechanisms, thereby simplifying the system for easier maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of LEDs are used to cover different wavelength regions, then the spectral coverage is improved, but the ultraviolet light exposure affects the longevity of the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful ultraviolet light exposure into a beneficial filtering mechanism. Optical filters are strategically positioned to block harmful ultraviolet wavelengths while allowing beneficial visible light wavelengths to pass through. This protects the LEDs from UV-induced degradation, extending their operational life while maintaining the required spectral coverage for biochemical analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical filters as intermediary elements between the LED light sources and the sample. These filters mediate the light spectrum by transmitting only the desired visible wavelengths while blocking harmful ultraviolet wavelengths, thereby protecting the LEDs from UV exposure and extending their longevity while maintaining spectral coverage.
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 facilitates the use of long-life LEDs, reduces ultraviolet light-induced deterioration, and enhances light utilization efficiency by combining multiple LED light sources into a single beam for biochemical analyzers, improving maintenance and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection surface that is opposite to the first LED, and reflects light of the first LED
Implementation Method 2
a dichroic surface that is opposite to the second LED, reflects light of the first LED, and allows light of the second LED to penetrate
Implementation Method 3
a light shielding unit that is disposed on a side of the first LED or the second LED of the reflection surface and the dichroic surface and shields the ultraviolet light
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
This invention is capable of improving performance of a biochemical analyzer and facilitating the maintenance. A light source includes: a first LED that emits ultraviolet light and a second LED that has a light emission spectrum different from that of the first LED, the first LED and the second LED being disposed in parallel; a reflection surface that is opposite to the first LED and reflects light of the first LED; and a dichroic surface that is opposite to the second LED, reflects light of the first LED, and allows light of the second LED to penetrate. When an optical member including the dichroic surface is made to be the dichroic prism, the reflection surface reflects light of the first LED to the second LED side, and by using light source of a configuration having a light shielding unit between a light emission surface of the second LED and a dichroic prism, entering of a light emitted from the plural LEDs as a one light beam (beam) to an optical system of latter stage of the biochemical analyzer is enabled.