Self-Centering Opaque Vial Holder for Light-Tight Probe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immersion probes face challenges in measuring samples in transparent vials due to light interference and probe alignment issues, which affect measurement accuracy and require additional adjustments to ensure a lighttight environment.
Innovation Solution
A vial holder with an opaque or optically black base and cap that centers the probe within the vial, providing a lighttight environment and ensuring proper alignment during measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transparent vials are used for sample containers, then ease of manufacture and visual inspection are improved, but light interference with measurements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary light-blocking structure (opaque collar or sleeve) that is placed around the vial at a specific position. This intermediary element blocks stray light from reaching the probe while allowing the vial itself to remain transparent for manufacturing simplicity and visual inspection. The light-blocking intermediary resolves the contradiction by adding light protection without changing the vial material.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light obscuring materials are wrapped around vials, then light interference is reduced, but device complexity and measurement interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, disposable-like light-blocking collar or sleeve that can be easily attached and removed. This simple structure provides effective light blocking without the complexity of adjustable mechanisms or sophisticated light-tight chambers. The simplicity of this light-blocking element resolves the contradiction by providing adequate light protection with minimal added complexity.
3Measurement precision
If probe is positioned close to vial walls, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but probe alignment and lighttight environment maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-designed light-blocking collar positioned at a specific distance from the vial wall, which establishes the optimal probe positioning before measurement begins. This preliminary light-blocking structure guides the probe to the correct position and maintains the lighttight environment automatically, resolving the contradiction by eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments while preserving measurement sensitivity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If manual adjustment of lighttight covering is performed, then light elimination is improved, but measurement time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a light-blocking collar or sleeve that automatically maintains the lighttight environment without requiring manual adjustment during measurement. The structure is self-positioning or self-adjusting, ensuring consistent light blocking while allowing the probe to remain stationary. This self-service lighttight structure resolves the contradiction by providing effective light elimination without consuming measurement time for adjustments.
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
The holder ensures accurate and efficient measurements by minimizing light interference and maintaining probe centrality, enhancing the reliability of immersion probe analyses.
Implementation Method 1
The base and the cap include one or more materials that are opaque or optically black
Data Source
AI summary
A holder is described. The holder is for a sample vial and includes a base and a cap, where the holder and cap include one or more materials that are opaque or optically black. The holder includes an interior space for placement of the vial in a light-tight environment, where the holder cap includes an opening for insertion of a probe therethrough and into the sample vial. The disclosure also includes systems and methods using the holder.