Multiplexed LED Optical Axis for Stable Two-Wavelength Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

When LEDs are used as light sources for absorption analysis in automatic analyzers, achieving stable light intensity over a wide wavelength band and matching temperature characteristics of multiple LED elements is challenging, particularly in maintaining accurate analysis performance through two-wavelength measurement methods.

Innovation Solution

The configuration involves multiplexing the light emitted from a second LED onto the same optical axis as the first LED, with both LEDs in contact with a shared temperature adjustment member to stabilize their temperature characteristics and ensure accurate light intensity distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple analysis devices are arranged in a matrix array to perform parallel analysis, then analysis productivity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis productivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple analysis devices into a single integrated automated analysis device. The device includes multiple analysis units (first analysis unit with first wavelength selector, second analysis unit with second wavelength selector) that are merged into one system sharing common components like the sample introduction system, nebulizer, and detection system. This merging maintains parallel analysis capability while reducing overall device complexity and space requirements compared to separate matrix array devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated analysis device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various types of spectral analysis (atomic absorption, atomic emission, inductively coupled plasma) using a single platform. The device can analyze multiple elements simultaneously through different wavelength selectors and analysis units, making one device serve multiple functions that would otherwise require multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional automated analysis devices are used, then analysis speed is improved, but spectral line interference from other elements increases measurement error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis speedVSAvoidmeasurement error
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts and separates the light paths for different wavelength regions using multiple wavelength selectors (first wavelength selector for one wavelength region, second wavelength selector for another wavelength region). This extraction of specific wavelength bands allows selective measurement of target element spectral lines while excluding interference from other elements' spectral lines, thereby maintaining fast analysis speed while improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wavelength selectors as intermediary components between the light source and detector. These wavelength selectors act as mediators that selectively transmit only the desired wavelength ranges corresponding to target element spectral lines while blocking other wavelengths. This intermediary mechanism enables fast simultaneous multi-element analysis while eliminating spectral line interference that would otherwise degrade measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves stable light intensity over a wide wavelength band and ensures accurate temperature matching of LED elements, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of absorption analysis by minimizing light intensity fluctuations and maintaining high analysis performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first wavelength selector that transmits electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength region and a second wavelength selector that transmits electromagnetic radiation in a second wavelength region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength selection: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentEP4063829B1Automatic analysis device
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP4063829B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4063829B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4063829B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is an automatic analysis device capable of obtaining a stable light intensity over a wide wavelength band by multiplexing a plurality of LED lights and adjusting the temperature characteristics of each LED element. The automatic analysis device according to the present disclosure is configured such that light emitted from a second LED is reflected to be multiplexed on the same optical axis as the light emitted from a first LED, and the first LED and the second LED are in contact with the same temperature adjustment member.