Movable Optical Base for Compact Multi-Position Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical measurement apparatuses with turntables are bulky, costly, and require multiple models for different measurement needs, leading to increased production and user expenses, as well as the need for dedicated components and potential additional purchases for users who require sequential measurements.

Innovation Solution

An optical measurement apparatus with a main body base, a movably combined optical base, and a measurement optical system, allowing the optical base to move between internal and external measurement positions, enabling flexible measurement of samples within the apparatus or externally, using a sample stage and external sample holders for various sample types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a turntable is incorporated to enable sequential measurement of multiple measurement objects, then the measurement capability is improved, but the apparatus size and footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidapparatus footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into a fixed measurement unit and a movable sample carrier. Instead of rotating the entire apparatus, only the sample carrier moves to position different samples under the fixed measurement optical system, reducing the required footprint area while maintaining multi-sample measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar turntable rotation to a three-dimensional positioning system where the sample carrier moves along multiple axes (X, Y, Z directions) to bring different samples into the measurement position, thereby reducing the horizontal footprint while preserving measurement versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a turntable is incorporated to enable sequential measurement of multiple measurement objects, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex turntable mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler movable sample carrier that can be actuated by basic driving means such as linear actuators or motors, significantly reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to sequentially measure multiple samples

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed measurement optical system serves as a universal measurement unit that can measure different types of samples (liquid, solid, gas) by simply changing the sample carrier or sample container, eliminating the need for multiple specialized measurement systems and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different measurement object holding members are prepared for different types of measurement objects, then the measurement versatility is improved, but the device complexity and user burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement versatilityVSAvoidcomponent variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sample carrier is designed as a dynamic, replaceable component that can be easily swapped or reconfigured depending on the sample type. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle different measurement objects (liquids in cuvettes, solids on stages, gases in chambers) without requiring permanently installed specialized holders, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system can adapt to different sample types by changing parameters such as the sample carrier configuration, measurement wavelength, or measurement mode rather than requiring physically different measurement systems. This parameter-based adaptability reduces the need for multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design reduces the size and component count of the apparatus, lowers production costs, and allows users to adapt to different measurement needs without additional purchases, providing a cost-effective and versatile solution for both internal and external sample measurements.

Implementation Method 1

The measurement optical system is configured to emit light to the measurement object position and detect light scattered from the measurement object position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3425370B1Optical measurement apparatus, and optical measurement method
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 OTSUKA DENSHI CO LTD
  • EP3425370B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3425370B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3425370B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical measurement apparatus (1, 201, 301) includes a main body base (10), an optical base (11) movably combined with the main body base (10), a measurement optical system (30) fixed to the optical base (11), and an optical base moving mechanism (21)which moves the optical base (11) relative to the main body base (10). The optical base moving mechanism (21) moves the optical base (11) relative to the main body base (10) between an internal measurement position (11A) and an external measurement position (11B). At the internal measurement position (11A), a measurement object position (30a) of the measurement optical system (30) coincides with an internal measurement object position (30A) within the main body base (10). At the external measurement position (11B), a measurement object position (30a) of the measurement optical system (30) coincides with an external measurement object position (30B) outside the main body base (10).