Modular Optical Measurement Cartridges for Integrated Sample Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available laboratory testing and analysis apparatuses are not modular, scalable, interconnected, or designed to comprehensively collect and organize data, limiting their effectiveness in modern research and development.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal and modular optical apparatus with interchangeable optical cartridges and a control and processing unit that generates parameters from optical measurement data, allowing integration with additional modules for enhanced functionality and data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional commercially available laboratory apparatuses are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into a principal system and multiple interchangeable cartridges, each cartridge containing specific optical measurement components (emitters, receivers, optics) for different measurement modalities. This segmentation allows users to select and swap cartridges based on measurement needs, providing versatility without requiring a completely different system for each modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The principal system is designed with a universal interface and control architecture that can accommodate multiple types of cartridges. The system includes a common sample receiving space, data processing unit, and control logic that works with various cartridge types, enabling one system to perform multiple measurement functions through cartridge interchangeability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate apparatuses are used for different measurement modalities, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and data integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement modalities are merged into a single integrated system through the cartridge architecture. The principal system combines common components (sample stage, control unit, data processing) with modality-specific cartridges, creating a unified platform that maintains the precision of specialized optical measurements while eliminating the need for multiple separate apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The control and processing unit is designed with universal data acquisition and processing capabilities that can handle data from different cartridge types. The system includes standardized interfaces and software architecture that integrate data from various measurement modalities, maintaining precision while simplifying the multi-apparatus scenario into a single system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional non-modular apparatuses are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to changing research needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular cartridge design segments the measurement functionality into discrete, self-contained units. Each cartridge is designed as a complete measurement module that can be independently selected and replaced, allowing researchers to adapt to different projects by simply swapping cartridges rather than reconfiguring complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through the cartridge swap mechanism. The principal system includes automatic recognition and configuration capabilities that detect the inserted cartridge type and adjust operational parameters accordingly, making the adaptation process transparent and easy to operate despite the underlying complexity.
4Loss of information
If separate apparatuses are used for different measurements, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of information and data organization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Data acquisition and processing capabilities are merged into the principal system, with all cartridges communicating through a common interface. The control unit consolidates data from different measurement modalities into a unified data structure, ensuring no information is lost in translation between different apparatuses and simplifying data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control and processing unit acts as an intermediary between the various cartridges and the user/computing system. It standardizes data formats, handles protocol conversion, and organizes data from different measurement modalities into a coherent structure, preventing information loss and simplifying data integration.
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
Enables versatile, scalable, and integrated data collection and analysis, supporting various measurement modalities and facilitating networked operations for comprehensive characterization of material samples.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiations propagating to the material sample
Implementation Method 2
a receiver configured to receive and measure electromagnetic radiations from the material sample in response to the emitter
Data Source
AI summary
A multimodal and modular optical apparatus is provided for acquiring optical data and generating at least one parameter for characterization of a material sample. A principal system includes a main body defining a sample receiving space and at least one cartridge-receiving space, at least one cartridge being sized and shaped for reversible insertion in one cartridge-receiving space, a cartridge connector configured to communicate the optical data, and a control and processing unit being in data communication with the at least one cartridge via the cartridge connector to receive the optical data. The apparatus can further include at least one module being operatively connected to the main body and being in data communication with the control and processing unit of the principal system. A method to characterize a material sample based on optical data acquired by an apparatus having at least one optical measurement modality is further provided.