Multichannel Analytical Instrument Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical instruments face challenges in achieving accurate measurements due to alignment errors and interference between specimens, particularly when using removable specimen holders with high densities of samples, which complicates analysis and introduces inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
The analytical instrument employs a multi-channel configuration with a specimen holder assembly that includes optical fibers, a source of electromagnetic energy, and a sensor assembly, utilizing splitters formed by fused optical fibers to align and direct electromagnetic energy to each specimen holding region, and a lens holder and alignment frame with spherical or ball lenses to increase illumination area and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high density of specimens is placed on a sample holder to increase productivity, then the number of specimens analyzed per unit time increases, but alignment errors and interference between neighboring specimens increase, deteriorating measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple independent channels, each with its own light source and optical path. This segmentation allows each specimen to be illuminated independently without interference from adjacent specimens, maintaining measurement precision while enabling high-density specimen arrangements for improved productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Each specimen position is provided with localized illumination and detection components tailored to that specific location. The optical fibers and lenses are positioned to provide focused illumination only to the intended specimen area, reducing cross-interference and maintaining alignment accuracy even when specimens are densely packed
2Ease of operation
If removable specimen holders are used to improve ease of operation, then specimen replacement and reconfiguration becomes simpler, but alignment errors increase due to repeated insertion and removal, deteriorating measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen holder is pre-configured with alignment features such as mechanical guides, keyed interfaces, or coded positioning elements that automatically ensure correct positioning when inserted. This preliminary preparation of alignment mechanisms allows easy removal and replacement of specimen holders while maintaining consistent alignment accuracy without requiring manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary alignment mechanism or interface is introduced between the removable specimen holder and the fixed instrument body. This intermediary component mediates the connection, providing self-aligning features that compensate for tolerances and ensure repeatable positioning, thus maintaining measurement precision while enabling easy operation
3Device complexity
If conventional single-channel illumination is used to simplify device complexity, then the instrument structure remains simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to alignment errors and inability to accommodate high-density specimens
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex illumination system, multiple simplified optical channels are created by copying the basic optical fiber-lens structure for each specimen position. Each channel is a simple replicate of the others, providing consistent illumination without requiring complex alignment mechanisms, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving measurement precision through uniform multi-point illumination
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of specimen analysis by ensuring consistent and uniform illumination across multiple specimens, reducing interference and improving measurement precision, allowing for efficient analysis of a large number of samples in a short period.
Implementation Method 1
optical fibers, a source of electromagnetic energy selectively operable to emit electromagnetic energy at a first wavelength... splitters formed by fused optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
lens holder and alignment frame with spherical or ball lenses to increase illumination area and accuracy
Implementation Method 3
Many materials will reflect some wavelengths while absorbing other wavelengths
Implementation Method 4
Some materials may reemit electromagnetic energy at a different or shifted wavelength in a phenomenon commonly referred to as fluorescence
Data Source
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AI summary
An analytical instrument may have multiple distinct channels. Such may include one or more illumination sources and sensors. Illumination may be delivered to specific locations of a specimen holder, and returned illumination may be delivered to specific locations of a sensor array. Illumination may first pass a specimen, and a mirror or reflector may then return the illumination past the specimen. Optical splitters may be employed to couple pairs of fiber optics proximate a specimen holder. Such channels may further include a plurality of illumination sources positioned on one side of a specimen holder and a plurality of sensors on the other side. The plurality of sensor may capture image of a specimen and a spectrophotometer may concurrently scan the specimen. A plurality of specimens may be imaged and scanned in a single pass of a plurality of passes. Spherical or ball lenses may be placed in an optical path of the illumination to achieve a desired illumination pattern.