Measuring Cell Window Mounts for Adjustable Optical Path Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow cells require multiple spacers and specially shaped windows for adjusting optical path lengths, leading to increased costs and complexity, especially in disposable applications where hygiene and cost-effectiveness are crucial.

Innovation Solution

A measuring cell with recesses and window mounts having radially outward projections that can be inserted to different depths, allowing adjustable optical path lengths without additional components, using contact surfaces on the cell walls for alignment, and adjustable clamping devices for fine adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple spacers and specially shaped windows are used to adjust optical path lengths, then the measurement accuracy and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of optical path lengthVSAvoidnumber of different components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The window mount is designed with a movable window that can be positioned at different depths within the mount, allowing dynamic adjustment of the optical path length. The window can be moved along the optical axis between a first position (shorter path length) and a second position (longer path length), providing adaptability without requiring multiple separate components for each path length setting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The window mount serves multiple functions: it holds the window, provides sealing through an integrated seal, enables depth adjustment of the window, and maintains optical alignment. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components (window, seal, spacers, alignment features) into a single integrated assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple spacers of different sizes are used to achieve different optical path lengths, then the measurement range is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of optical path lengthsVSAvoidprecision of optical path length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using fixed spacers of different sizes, the invention employs a movable window that can be dynamically positioned at different depths within the window mount. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows for precise control of the optical path length without requiring pre-fabricated spacers with tight tolerances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The optical path length is adjusted by changing the position parameter of the window within the mount rather than by selecting from pre-fabricated components with fixed dimensions. This allows for continuous or discrete adjustment of the path length parameter without the need for multiple precision-manufactured spacer components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If disposable flow cells with bonded windows are used, then the hygiene and contamination prevention are improved, but the manufacturing costs and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene and contamination preventionVSAvoidproduction cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The window, seal, and mounting features are merged into a single window mount component that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The seal is integrated with the window mount rather than requiring separate bonding operations, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the sealed, disposable nature of the flow cell

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow cell is designed as a disposable unit with a window mount that can be independently assembled and replaced. This segmentation allows the window mount assembly to be pre-packaged sterile and simply installed, maintaining hygiene requirements while reducing overall manufacturing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12480863B2Measuring cell for performing optical measurements

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 ENDRESS HAUSER CONDUCTA GMBH CO KG

AI summary

A measuring cell for performing optical measurements of a medium disposed in the measuring cell includes: recesses extending through a first outer wall and a second outer wall of the measuring cell; and two window mounts, each with a transparent window therein and each including outward protruding projections configured to be inserted a corresponding recess at a selected installation depth, wherein a wall of the measuring cell that surrounds the recess includes on an inside, for each selectable installation depth, one set of contact surfaces arranged around the recess in a radial direction such that the projections of the window mount seat on the contact surfaces of the corresponding set, which are arranged in an axial direction such that the window mount is arranged in the recess at the selected installation depth.