Liquid Sample Transmittance Measurement Using Segmented Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sample transmittance measurement devices face challenges in efficiently measuring multiple samples simultaneously at multiple wavelengths while being compact, power-efficient, and easy to manufacture, due to limitations in emission technology and mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an emission apparatus with an optically transparent or translucent substrate, reflective boundary surfaces, and exit points, along with light emitters and detectors, allows for efficient light direction and versatile wavelength selection, enabling compact and efficient measurement of multiple samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual emitter-detector pairs are used for each liquid sample, then measurement capability for multiple samples is achieved, but power consumption increases and most light is rejected
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple regions with different exit points, each region serving a specific sample well. This segmentation allows multiple samples to be measured simultaneously using a single emitter, as light is directed to different exit points corresponding to different samples, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining multi-sample measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by creating multiple exit points at different locations on the substrate. Instead of using multiple emitters vertically stacked or arranged in separate devices, the invention distributes exit points across the substrate surface, enabling multiple samples to be measured simultaneously in a planar arrangement, thus reducing power consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual emitter-detector pairs are used for each liquid sample, then measurement capability for multiple samples is achieved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple emitter-detector functions are merged into a single integrated device. Instead of having separate emitter-detector pairs for each sample well, the patent combines multiple exit points on a single substrate with a single emitter, reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining the capability to measure multiple samples simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The single emitter serves multiple functions by directing light to different exit points on the substrate, each corresponding to a different sample well. This multi-functionality allows one emitter to replace multiple emitters, thereby reducing the device footprint while maintaining multi-sample measurement capability
3Device complexity
If emission technology with limited wavelength precision is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision at multiple wavelengths becomes prohibitively difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A wavelength selection apparatus is introduced as an intermediary component between the emitter and the substrate. This apparatus filters and selects specific wavelengths from the emitter's output, enabling precise multi-wavelength measurements while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device structure. The wavelength selection apparatus acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between simple emission technology and precise measurement requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of wavelength selection by introducing a wavelength selection apparatus that can be configured to transmit specific wavelengths. This allows the system to achieve precise multi-wavelength measurements by adjusting the parameters of the wavelength selection apparatus rather than requiring complex emission technology, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving measurement precision
4Loss of energy
If complex emission apparatus with monochromatic filters and waveguides is used, then optical efficiency is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and mechanical failure becomes prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength selection function from complex monochromatic filters and waveguides, implementing it through simpler means. By removing unnecessary intermediate components and directly integrating wavelength selection capability into the substrate or emitter structure, the invention reduces manufacturing difficulty and mechanical failure risk while maintaining optical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more manufacturable components that are easier to produce and less prone to mechanical failure. Instead of using expensive and complex monochromatic filters and waveguides, the invention uses simpler optical elements that can be manufactured more easily and are more robust, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining acceptable optical efficiency
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
The apparatus enables efficient and versatile light direction, allowing for the measurement of multiple samples at multiple wavelengths with reduced power consumption and improved manufacturing ease.
Implementation Method 1
an optically transparent or translucent substrate... the light from the light emitters exits the substrate at an angle different from which it entered the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for the measurement of transmittance of liquid samples comprising an emission apparatus, sample chamber, and detection apparatus. The emission apparatus comprises light emitters and a substrate defined by at least partially reflective boundary surfaces and exit points for light from the emitters.