Oblique Light Deflection for Compact Liquid Analysis Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for analyzing small liquid samples using light guidance have an unfavorable overall height due to right-angle deflection of the light beam, making them cumbersome for certain applications and difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
The light beam is deflected obliquely upwards towards the center of the device, eliminating the need for a conventional right-angled prism and reducing the overall height by allowing a shorter distance between the reflector and light input, with optional optical elements for better guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the light beam is deflected by 90 degrees using a conventional right-angled prism, then the light guidance is simple and reliable, but the overall height of the device becomes unfavorable and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the deflection angle parameter from 90 degrees to an oblique angle (less than 90 degrees). The first deflection device deflects the light beam by an angle α < 90°, and the second deflection device deflects it by an angle β < 90°, thereby reducing the vertical space required while maintaining effective light guidance through the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical light path configuration to an oblique configuration, utilizing diagonal space more efficiently. By arranging the light path at oblique angles rather than strict right angles, the device achieves compact height while preserving the optical measurement function
2Length of stationary object
If the distance between the reflector and light input is reduced to lower device height, then the overall height is favorable, but the light beam may not accurately hit the measurement point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical elements (lenses, light guides, or mirrors) as intermediaries to redirect and focus the light beam. These elements ensure that even with reduced distance between the reflector and light input, the light beam accurately reaches the measurement point on the sample with the correct orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the angular parameters of light deflection (angles α and β both less than 90°) to optimize the light path geometry. This parameter optimization ensures accurate light delivery to the measurement point while maintaining compact device dimensions
3Measurement precision
If optical elements like lenses or light guides are added to improve light guidance accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides flexibility in the optical configuration, allowing the system to adapt between different levels of complexity. Optical elements are included only when necessary to achieve the required measurement precision, enabling the device to be simplified for applications where high precision is not critical
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the deflection angles (α and β) to be less than 90° to minimize the need for additional optical elements. By carefully selecting these angular parameters, the design achieves adequate light guidance with fewer components, reducing complexity while maintaining functional performance
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 allows for simpler sample placement and cleaning while reducing the device's height, enabling efficient analysis of small samples with improved light guidance and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection prism or a deflection mirror is provided as the first deflection device in the area of light entry, the reflection surface of which has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the optical axis of the incident light beam
Implementation Method 2
it is also possible for at least one lens and/or a prism and/or a light guide to be provided as the optical element for the deflected light beam
Implementation Method 3
Device for analysis or absorption measurement on a small amount of liquid medium using light that is guided through the medium and can then be detected or analyzed photometrically, spectrophotometrically
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for analysis or absorption measurement on small amounts, for example on a drop or droplet of a liquid medium (2) by means of light (3) with an upper planar location spot (4) for the application or dropping of the medium (2), a light entry (5) in the housing (6) arranged beneath said location spot or location surface (4) and a first device (7) in the light beam behind said light entry (5) for deflection of the light upwards to the location spot (4) where a detachably mounted reflector (8) is also located. The device (7) for deflecting the light beam is designed such that the direction of the optical axis of the deflected light beam is oriented upwards towards the middle (M) of the device (1) and the inclined position of the optical axis of the light beam with regard to the device mid-point (M) is arranged to be directed at the position of the reflector (8) through which the longitudinal median (M) between the light entry (5) and the light exit (1) from the device runs. The height of assembly of said device (1) relative to one in which the light is first deflected about a right angle and only then after a further direction change directed at the location spot or the sample is correspondingly lower.