Movable Optical Detector Alignment for Test Element Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical analyte measurement systems face challenges in accurately and precisely positioning optical detectors relative to test elements due to long tolerance chains and variations in test element thickness, leading to difficulties in maintaining focus and requiring extensive setup times and computational resources.
Innovation Solution
A test element analysis system with a movable optical detector and actuator that performs a predetermined sequence of movements to align the detector with the test element, ensuring precise positioning and focus regardless of test element thickness, using a measurement device with a test element receptacle comprising a first part for support and a second part with an optical detector that can move relative to the first part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed distance is given between the supporting surface and the optical detector, then the system structure is simple, but the positioning precision and focus accuracy deteriorate due to long tolerance chains and test element thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detector is made movable relative to the supporting surface through an actuator mechanism. The actuator enables the optical detector to dynamically adjust its position along the optical axis, transforming the fixed distance system into a dynamic positioning system that can compensate for tolerance variations and maintain focus accuracy across different test element thicknesses.
2Device complexity
If a long tolerance chain is used between the optical detection area and the optical system, then the device design is simplified, but the total tolerance increases leading to focus difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The long mechanical tolerance chain is replaced by a controlled actuator mechanism that provides active positioning. Instead of relying on passive mechanical tolerances, the actuator actively adjusts the optical detector position to achieve and maintain focus, substituting uncontrolled mechanical variations with controlled actuation.
3Measurement precision
If extensive setup times and computational resources are used to achieve accurate positioning, then positioning precision improves, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism enables the system to self-adjust and self-position the optical detector automatically. The system performs its own focusing and alignment without requiring extensive manual setup or computational processing, achieving accurate positioning through direct mechanical actuation controlled by the device itself.
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 solution enables simple, precise, and fast alignment of test elements, reducing setup time and computational resources, and maintaining focus across various test element thicknesses, making the system more suitable for handheld and integrated devices.
Implementation Method 1
the second part comprises at least one optical detector for detecting at least one detection reaction of at least one test chemical contained in the test element
Data Source
AI summary
A test element analysis system for analytical examination of a sample. The system comprises a measurement device, which comprises a test element receptacle for receiving at least one test element at least partially, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one first and at least one second part, wherein the first part comprises at least one support surface for placement of the test element, wherein the second part comprises at least one optical detector for detecting at least one detection reaction of at least one test chemical contained in the test element, wherein the second part is movable relative to the first part, wherein the receptacle is configured to position the second part such that a test element may be inserted into the receptacle and to subsequently position the second part in a closed position such that at least one abutment surface of the second part rests on the test element.