Liquid Delivery Calibration Using Multi-Spectral Absorbance Solutions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid delivery measurement systems require multiple sample solutions to cover a wide range of volumes or dilutions, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and waste, as they rely on single spectral features that become unreliable at extended ranges.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single sample solution with multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, allowing calibration or testing over a wide volume or dilution range, reducing the need for multiple solutions and enhancing traceability to international standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sample solutions with different concentrations are used to cover a wide volume range, then the measurement precision is maintained across different volumes, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to manage, stock, and select multiple solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral features into a single sample solution. Instead of using separate solutions for different volume ranges, the invention uses one solution containing multiple dyes or chromophores that absorb light at different wavelengths, allowing the system to measure across a wide volume range by selecting appropriate wavelengths for analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sample solution performs multiple functions by providing multiple spectral features that can be used across different volume ranges. Each spectral feature can be independently measured at different wavelengths, making the single solution universally applicable for calibrating liquid delivery devices across the entire volume range from 2 µl to 5000 µl.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sample solutions are used to cover extended volume ranges, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the loss of time and productivity worsen due to solution management and selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple concentrated and dilute solutions into a single multi-featured solution, eliminating the time required to switch between different solutions. The system can directly measure absorbance at different wavelengths from the same solution, significantly improving testing productivity while maintaining precision across all volume ranges.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sample solutions are used to cover a wide volume range, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the loss of substance worsens due to waste of unused solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral features in one solution, allowing the entire volume range to be tested using a single solution. This eliminates the waste associated with preparing and discarding multiple concentrated and dilute solutions, as only one solution is needed for all measurements from 2 µl to 5000 µl.
4Device complexity
If a single spectral feature is used in sample solutions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates at extended volume ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite sample solutions containing multiple dyes or chromophores that provide distinct spectral features at different wavelengths. This composite approach maintains relatively simple solution preparation while achieving high measurement precision across extended volume ranges, as each spectral feature can be optimized for specific volume measurements.
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 approach simplifies the testing process, reduces errors, and extends the testable range, enabling a single solution to cover volumes from 2 µl to 5000 µl and dilutions from 1:1 to 1:2500, while maintaining accuracy and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A method using a single sample solution with multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and related method for improved liquid delivery evaluation using a solution containing one or more dyes such that the solution exhibits multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features for calibrating or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges are described. The system includes: a photometric instrument capable of measuring optical absorbance at multiple wavelengths; one or more sample solutions to be dispensed using the liquid delivery system whose performance is being tested or calibrated; and vessels optionally pre-filled, or filled by the user, with diluent solution. The sample solutions contain one or more dyes, chosen so that multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, such as peaks and/or valleys and/or plateaus of the solution can be distinguished for volume or dilution ranges of interest. The concentrations of the dyes may be chosen so that a large volume delivery device is calibrated using a spectral feature in the solution with a low absorbance per unit pathlength, while a small volume delivery device is calibrated with the same sample solution but using a different spectral feature with a high absorbance per unit pathlength.