Modular Optical Flow Cell with Interchangeable Path Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical measuring devices face challenges in maintaining reliable measurements across a wide range of solution concentrations due to deviations in optical path length, requiring cumbersome calibration processes and being less flexible for applications involving both high and low concentrations.
Innovation Solution
The optical measuring device features a modular design with interchangeable flow cell parts and connectors, allowing for different optical path lengths and sizes, enabling pre-calibrated static flow cell parts that maintain accuracy during maintenance and adaptability for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical path length is reduced to achieve reliable detection for high concentration solutions, then measurement reliability for high concentration is improved, but the device cannot measure low concentration solutions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is divided into multiple interchangeable path length modules (e.g., 1mm, 10mm, 100mm path lengths). Each module can be independently selected and installed based on the concentration range of the solution being measured, allowing the system to optimize for both high and low concentration applications without compromising measurement reliability.
2Ease of repair
If corrections or adjustments are made to the optical flow cell after cleaning or service, then maintenance is performed, but deviations in optical path length occur requiring time-consuming calibration
Solution Approach 1:
Each interchangeable flow cell module is pre-calibrated during manufacturing with a certified optical path length. When a module is installed, its calibration certificate provides the exact path length value, eliminating the need for time-consuming field calibration after maintenance or service operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses discrete, pre-defined path length parameters (1mm, 10mm, 100mm) corresponding to different interchangeable modules. By selecting the appropriate pre-calibrated module rather than adjusting a single variable path length, the system avoids calibration deviations while maintaining ease of maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical path length is adjusted to measure different concentrations, then versatility is improved, but calibration requirements increase making the process cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell system is segmented into discrete path length modules, each with a fixed, pre-calibrated optical path length. This segmentation allows versatility in measuring different concentrations by simply changing modules rather than adjusting a continuous variable, thereby simplifying the calibration process to a straightforward module replacement procedure.
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 modular design enhances flexibility and reliability by allowing for precise adjustments and maintenance without affecting optical path lengths, ensuring accurate measurements across a range of concentrations and facilitating easy adaptation to different flow paths.
Implementation Method 1
a first light guide with an exit surface where light is emitted and a second light guide with an entrance surface where light is received
Implementation Method 2
detect the presence of and/or measuring the concentration of a substance within the solution
Data Source
AI summary
An optical measuring device (1; 1′; 1″; 41; 61) configured for being connected in a flow path, said optical measuring device (1; 1′; 1″; 41; 61) comprising:—a first and a second flow path connector (5, 7; 5′, 7′; 5″, 7″);—at least one flow cell part (3; 3a, 3b; 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) provided in between the first and second flow path connectors (5, 7; 5′, 7′; 5″, 7″) such that a flow in a flow path in which the optical measuring device (1; 1′; 1″; 41; 61) can be arranged will flow through the first flow path connector (5; 5′; 5″), the at least one flow cell part (3; 3a, 3b; 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and through the second flow path connector (7; 7′; 7″); and—at least one releasable connection device (9) arranged for releasably connecting the at least one flow cell part (3; 3a, 3b; 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) in between the first and second flow path connectors (5, 7; 5′, 7′; 5″, 7″).