Multi-Chamber Cuvette Layout for Simultaneous Multi-Wavelength Gas Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectroscopic analysis devices using cuvettes for gas analysis are complex, costly, and prone to errors due to the use of mechanically swung optical filters and require additional installation space, leading to reduced measurement dynamics and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A multi-chamber cuvette with optically separated chambers and a dedicated illumination and detection system that allows simultaneous analysis with different wavelengths, eliminating the need for moving parts and filters, and using a one-piece extruded part made of aluminum for cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanically swung optical filters are used to provide different wavelengths, then multiple gas components can be detected, but the device complexity increases and measurement dynamics are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of multiple gas componentsVSAvoidmeasurement setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cuvette is divided into multiple independent measuring chambers, each optimized for specific wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-wavelength measurement without requiring mechanical filter switching, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to detect multiple gas components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from temporal multiplexing (switching filters over time) to spatial multiplexing (multiple chambers measuring different wavelengths simultaneously). This dimensional change from time-based to space-based differentiation resolves the contradiction by enabling multi-component detection without mechanical moving parts

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanically swung optical filters are used, then additional wavelength information can be acquired, but the susceptibility to errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength information acquisitionVSAvoidsystem error susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical filter swinging system with a static multi-chamber configuration. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, positioning errors, and timing issues associated with moving parts, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the capability to acquire information at multiple wavelengths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If optical filters are swung into the beam path, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but the measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas component detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple measuring chambers operate simultaneously and continuously, eliminating the sequential filtering process. This continuous parallel operation maintains high measurement precision for each gas component while significantly reducing total measurement time compared to sequential filter-based systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Measurement precision

If optical elements are added to focus radiation, then detection accuracy improves, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation detection accuracyVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates focusing optical elements directly into the cuvette structure itself, merging the containment function with the focusing function. This integration maintains detection accuracy while minimizing additional installation space requirements compared to separate external focusing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves higher measurement accuracy and dynamics by allowing simultaneous analysis with two different wavelengths, reducing complexity and cost while increasing robustness and eliminating the need for mechanical filters.

Implementation Method 1

an illumination device (5), in particular comprising at least two light sources (5a, 5b), is provided, which is configured to generate light and couple it into the at least one first and second measuring chamber (3, 4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

Depending on the components it contains and their concentrations, the gas being analyzed absorbs different wavelength ranges to varying degrees, thus reducing the radiation intensity on the receiving side accordingly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP4431913B1Spectroscopic analysis device comprising a multi-chamber cuvette for fluid or gas analysis, and corresponding method
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ENDRESSHAUSER SICK GMBHCO KG
  • EP4431913B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4431913B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4431913B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A spectroscopic analysis device (1) comprises a multi-chamber cuvette (2) for fluid or gas analysis, wherein the multi-chamber cuvette (2) comprises at least two measuring chambers (3, 4) into which the fluid or gas can be introduced for analysis, wherein the at least two measuring chambers (3, 4) are optically separated from each other, wherein an illumination device (5) is provided to generate light and couple it into the at least one first and second measuring chamber (3, 4, 16, 17), and wherein a detection device (9) is provided to measure an intensity of the light emitted by the fluid or gas in the first measuring chamber (3) for a first wavelength and to generate a first measurement result, and to measure an intensity of the light emitted by the fluid or gas in the second measuring chamber (4) for a second wavelength and to generate a second measurement result, wherein the first wavelength and the second wavelength are different.