Modular Spectrometer Housing with Intersecting Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometer housings are limited to a single mode of operation, requiring operators to physically move or replace components to change measurement modes, restricting the analysis of light spectrum characteristics beyond direct reflection.
Innovation Solution
A modular housing design with intersecting or skew channels and interchangeable modules, allowing for multiple modes of operation by enabling the selection and arrangement of modules to analyze light spectrum characteristics through various optical interactions, including direct reflection, scattering, and other interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a housing is built with fixed means for emitting light, receiving light, and guiding light, then the housing provides structural stability, but the housing is limited to one mode of operation and lacks adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple detachable modules, each containing specific optical components (light sources, sensors, optical elements). These modules can be independently assembled and disassembled, allowing the system to maintain structural integrity when assembled while enabling reconfiguration for different measurement modes by simply changing module combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular housing design creates universal building blocks that can serve multiple functions. The same basic module structure can be configured for different measurement modes (transmittance, reflectance, fluorescence, etc.) by changing the arrangement and type of optical components within the modules, allowing one housing system to perform multiple spectral analysis functions.
2Measurement precision
If the housing is designed with built-in means for a specific measurement mode, then the device achieves optimized performance for that mode, but changing to another measurement mode requires moving the housing, moving the sample, or replacing built-in means
Solution Approach 1:
The housing transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Modules can be easily attached and detached, and optical components within modules can be adjusted or replaced, allowing the system to adapt its configuration for different measurement modes without requiring complex mechanical movements or sample relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables changes in operational parameters (measurement mode, optical path, detection wavelength range) by physically reconfiguring the modular components. Different module combinations and arrangements allow the same housing to optimize for different spectral characteristics and measurement requirements, maintaining precision across multiple modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the housing allows for multiple modes of operation through modular design, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple modules and channels
Solution Approach 1:
The modular housing employs a nested module structure where smaller functional units (optical components, sensors, light sources) are contained within larger module assemblies, which in turn are contained within the main housing. This hierarchical nesting allows complex multi-mode functionality to be achieved through systematic organization of components, reducing the apparent complexity by providing clear assembly hierarchies and standardized interfaces.
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 multi-modal operation, allowing for the determination of multiple light spectrum characteristics without the need for physical relocation or replacement of components, enhancing flexibility and analytical capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
determining at least one light spectrum characteristic of light received after optical interaction of the light with a sample
Implementation Method 2
guiding and emitting light out of the modular housing, such that the light, after the optical interaction with the sample, is received at the entrance of the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A modular housing for a spectrometer, the housing comprising at least two modules, the housing further comprising: a sensor recess configured to receive a sensor, the sensor being configured for determining at least one light spectrum characteristic of light received after optical interaction of the light with a sample; an aperture configured for receiving and guiding the light received after the optical interaction along a reception path extending from an entrance of the aperture to the sensor recess; and at least two channels configured for guiding and emitting light out of the modular housing, such that the light, after the optical interaction with the sample, is received at the entrance of the aperture; wherein the at least two channels are arranged along intersecting or skew axes; and wherein at least two of the at least two modules comprise respective ones of the at least two channels.