Multiple Reflection Cell External Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiple reflection type cells face challenges in reducing dead space caused by position adjusting mechanisms while maintaining a desired optical path length without complicating the structure, and in improving responsiveness by minimizing the internal volume of the cell chamber.

Innovation Solution

A multiple reflection type cell design featuring three reflecting members with a position adjusting mechanism outside the cell chamber, sealed by a seal member to eliminate internal dead space, allowing for precise adjustment of the optical path length without the need for additional windows or structures to reduce reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the position adjusting mechanism is housed inside the cell chamber to simplify the cell structure, then the structure becomes simpler, but the inner volume of the cell chamber increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell structureVSAvoidinner volume of cell chamber
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The position adjusting mechanism is extracted from the cell chamber and mounted on the external surface of the cell body. This allows the mechanism to be accessible for adjustment while eliminating the dead space it would occupy inside the cell chamber, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and volume minimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If the inner volume of the cell chamber is reduced to improve responsiveness and shorten sample replacement time, then the responsiveness improves, but the dead space from the position adjusting mechanism cannot be eliminated if it is housed inside

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoiddead space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The position adjusting mechanism is moved outside the cell chamber, eliminating the dead space it would create inside. This allows the cell chamber volume to be minimized for improved responsiveness while the adjusting mechanism remains accessible externally for operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of stationary object

If a block body is arranged in the dead space of the cell chamber to reduce the inner volume, then the inner volume is reduced, but the structure becomes complicated and additional dead space is formed in gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinner volume of cell chamberVSAvoidcell structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a block body inside the cell chamber to reduce volume, the position adjusting mechanism is extracted and mounted externally. This eliminates the need for internal volume-reducing structures and their associated gaps, simplifying the overall structure while achieving the same volume reduction goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Volume of stationary object

If the sample gas and reflecting members are separated by a window to exclude dead space from the position adjusting mechanism, then the dead space is excluded, but additional structures are needed to reduce light reflection and the optical path length becomes wasteful

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedead spaceVSAvoidadditional structures
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The position adjusting mechanism is extracted from the cell chamber and mounted externally on the cell body surface. This eliminates the dead space without requiring separating windows or additional reflective reduction structures, as the mechanism is completely external to the optical path and sample gas volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 internal volume, enhances responsiveness by shortening sample replacement time, and allows for a desired optical path length without enlarging the cell, eliminating the need for windows and simplifying the structure.

Implementation Method 1

a multiple reflection type cell of a white type having multiple reflecting surfaces in order to lengthen an optical path length of light passing the measurement object gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3225974B1Multiple reflection type cell and analyzer
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 HORIBA LTD
  • EP3225974B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3225974B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3225974B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention is a multiple reflection type cell 102 that makes it possible to reduce a dead space resulting from a position adjusting mechanism and to adjust the light to a desired optical path length without complicating a structure. The multiple reflection type cell 102 comprises a cell body 2 where a cell chamber 2S is formed, two or more reflecting members 31,32,33 that are mounted on the cell body 2 and whose reflecting surfaces 3x locate in the cell chamber 2S and a position adjusting mechanism 4 that adjusts a position of the reflecting member 32, 33 relative to the cell body 2. The cell body 2 has a mounting part 221that communicates the cell chamber 2S and the outside and on which the reflecting members 32,33 are mounted. A seal member 7 that seals a gap between the cell chamber 2S and the outside of the cell body 2 is arranged between the reflecting member 32, 33 mounted on the mounting part 221 and the cell body 2 so that the gap between the cell chamber 2S and the outsider of the cell body 2 is sealed by the seal member 7. The position adjusting mechanism 4 is arranged outside of the cell chamber 2S.