Light-Absorbing Optical Path for Portable Measurement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical measuring devices face challenges in achieving high accuracy due to measurement errors caused by diverging light being reflected and scattered by surrounding walls, leading to inaccurate results when trying to downsize the device for portability in point-of-care testing.
Innovation Solution
The optical measuring device incorporates a second light guiding path formed by a light-absorbing material, positioned coaxially with the first light guiding path, to absorb non-detection light, ensuring only detection light reaches the light receiving unit, with specific diameter and length ratios optimized for effective light absorption and device downsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the light source and light receiving unit are disposed close to each other to downsize the device, then portability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to light scattering and reflection from surrounding walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using the light-absorbing material to convert the harmful scattered and reflected light into beneficial absorption, preventing measurement errors. The light-absorbing material transforms the harmful effect of light scattering from walls into a beneficial filtering mechanism that eliminates stray light while allowing detection light to pass through to the light receiving unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-absorbing material serves as an intermediary element between the measurement sample and the light receiving unit. It mediates the optical path by selectively absorbing stray light while permitting detection light to reach the sensor, thus resolving the contradiction between compact device design and measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a light-absorbing material is used to surround the second light guiding path to eliminate scattered light, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by applying the light-absorbing material specifically to the second light guiding path forming body (the housing structure) rather than throughout the entire device. This localized application of light-absorbing properties to the specific region where scattered light is generated resolves the contradiction by improving measurement accuracy only where needed, without unnecessarily complicating the entire optical system.
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 portable optical measuring device with high accuracy by minimizing light interference and scattering, enabling precise measurements while maintaining a compact size.
Implementation Method 1
the second light guiding path forming body is formed from a light-absorbing material... light other than the detection light is absorbed by a wall surface surrounding the second light guiding path
Data Source
AI summary
An object is the provision of an optical measuring device that can be carried readily due to its reduced size and that can suppress the incidence of light other than detection light upon a light receiving unit and thus can obtain a measurement result with high accuracy. The optical measuring device includes a first light guiding path forming body having therein a first light guiding path formed by a through hole extending linearly for allowing measurement light from a light source to be incident on a measuring position in which a measurement sample is disposed, and a second light guiding path forming body having therein a second light guiding path formed by a through hole extending linearly for guiding detection light having exited from the measuring position to a light receiving unit. In the measuring position, the measurement light is incident and the detection light is exited through a sample bracket having a sample tube receiving hole into which the s sample tube loaded with the measurement sample is inserted. The second light guiding path forming body is formed from a light-absorbing material. Whole of the second light guiding path is formed surrounded by an inner wall surface of the through hole in the second light guiding path forming body. A relational expression (1) described below is satisfied when d represents a diameter of the second light guiding path of the second light guiding path forming body and L represents a length of the second light guiding path of the second light guiding path forming body.3≤L/d≤15. Relational expression (1):