Liquid Delivery Calibration Using Multi-Spectral Dye Solutions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid delivery measurement systems require multiple sample solutions to cover a wide range of volumes or dilution ratios, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and waste, as they rely on single spectral features that become undetectable beyond certain ranges.
Innovation Solution
A system using a single sample solution with multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, allowing calibration or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges, by employing dyes that produce unique absorbance peaks and valleys within the dynamic range of photometric instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample solutions with single spectral features are used to cover a wide volume range, then the measurable volume range is extended, but the system complexity and number of required solutions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single sample solution that performs multiple functions: it contains multiple spectral features (at least two distinct absorbance peaks) that enable measurement across different volume ranges. The first spectral feature measures smaller volumes while the second spectral feature measures larger volumes, allowing one solution to replace multiple specialized solutions and extend the overall measurable volume range from 2 μl to 5000 μl.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the absorbance spectrum into multiple distinct spectral features, each optimized for specific volume ranges. The sample solution contains at least two spectrally distinct features with non-overlapping or minimally overlapping absorbance bands, allowing the measurement system to selectively use different features based on the volume being measured, thereby extending the total measurable range without increasing the number of solutions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample solutions are used to cover extended volume ranges, then the testable volume range is extended, but the time required for testing and solution management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates solution management time by creating a universal sample solution that handles the entire volume range (2 μl to 5000 μl) through its multiple spectral features. Users no longer need to select, prepare, or manage multiple separate solutions for different volume ranges, as the single solution automatically provides the appropriate measurement capability for any volume delivered by the liquid delivery device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample solutions are used to cover different volume ranges, then the measurable range is extended, but the potential for user error and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces error rate by eliminating the need for users to make decisions about which solution to use. The single sample solution with multiple spectral features removes the complexity of solution selection entirely, preventing errors related to choosing the wrong solution concentration or type. The system automatically determines which spectral feature to use based on the measured absorbance values, reducing human error in solution management.
4Device complexity
If single spectral features are used in sample solutions, then the measurement system is simple, but the testable volume range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the measurable volume range by adding a spectral dimension rather than increasing volume concentration differences. Instead of using multiple solutions with different concentrations of a single dye, the invention uses a single solution with multiple spectrally distinct features (different wavelengths/absorbance peaks). This spectral dimensionality allows the system to discriminate between different volume ranges based on which spectral feature is measurable, effectively extending the volume range without complicating the physical solution management.
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 approach simplifies the testing process, reduces errors, and extends the testable range, enabling a single sample solution to cover volumes from 2 μl to 5000 μl and dilution ratios from 1:1 to 1:2500, while minimizing the number of required solutions and maintaining traceability to international standards.
Implementation Method 1
employing dyes that produce unique absorbance peaks and valleys within the dynamic range of photometric instruments
Data Source
AI summary
A system and related method for improved liquid delivery evaluation using a solution containing one or more dyes such that the solution exhibits multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features for calibrating or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges are described. The system includes: a photometric instrument capable of measuring optical absorbance at multiple wavelengths; one or more sample solutions to be dispensed using the liquid delivery system whose performance is being tested or calibrated; and vessels optionally pre-filled, or filled by the user, with diluent solution. The sample solutions contain one or more dyes, chosen so that multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, such as peaks and/or valleys and/or plateaus of the solution can be distinguished for volume or dilution ranges of interest. The concentrations of the dyes may be chosen so that a large volume delivery device is calibrated using a spectral feature in the solution with a low absorbance per unit pathlength, while a small volume delivery device is calibrated with the same sample solution but using a different spectral feature with a high absorbance per unit pathlength.