Optical Analyzer Light Path Switching for Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical analyzers require frequent calibration of light volume variations caused by both the optical fiber and measurement cell, leading to user unfriendliness and measurement errors due to the need for frequent replacement of calibration fluids and inability to calibrate measurement cell contamination separately.
Innovation Solution
An optical analyzer with a light path switching mechanism that allows for separate calibration cycles for the optical fiber and measurement cell, using a first calibration with a long cycle for the measurement cell and a second calibration with a short cycle for the optical fiber, without the need for a separate calibration cell or frequent fluid replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical system light volume calibration is performed frequently to calibrate variations caused by optical fiber and light source, then measurement precision is improved, but user friendliness deteriorates due to frequent calibration fluid replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration process into two distinct types: optical fiber calibration (performed frequently with air path) and measurement cell calibration (performed infrequently with fluid in cell). This segmentation allows the high-frequency calibration to avoid repeated fluid handling, improving user friendliness while maintaining measurement precision through regular optical fiber calibration.
2Measurement precision
If calibration fluid is stored in measurement cell frequently for optical system calibration, then light volume calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to calibration fluid line requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical fiber calibration process from the measurement cell, performing it separately using an air path through the optical fiber. This eliminates the need for calibration fluid lines and associated complexity, while maintaining calibration accuracy through dedicated optical fiber calibration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate calibration cell is provided for calibration, then calibration flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional calibration fluid line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration function with the existing measurement cell, using the same cell for both measurement and calibration purposes. This eliminates the need for a separate calibration cell and its associated fluid line, reducing device complexity while maintaining calibration flexibility through the light path switching mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If calibration fluid is temporarily sealed in calibration cell, then calibration convenience is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to calibration fluid deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic calibration where fresh calibration fluid is introduced into the measurement cell only when needed for measurement cell calibration, rather than being pre-sealed. This periodic introduction of fresh fluid prevents deterioration while maintaining calibration convenience through automated fluid handling.
5Ease of operation
If optical fiber is moved to switch between measurement and calibration positions, then calibration accessibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to optical fiber state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light path dynamic through a switching mechanism that can route light either through the measurement cell or through an air path. This dynamic light path switching allows calibration accessibility without moving the optical fiber itself, thereby preventing state changes that would affect measurement precision.
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 improves user friendliness by reducing the frequency of calibration and minimizing measurement errors by allowing independent calibration of light volume variations from the optical fiber and measurement cell, reducing the need for frequent calibration fluid storage and handling.
Implementation Method 1
guides light from a light source to a measurement cell by an optical fiber and guides the light, which has passed through the measurement cell, to a spectroscope by the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
light path switching means having a reflective mirror provided between the optical fiber, the light source, and the spectroscope, switching is performed between a light path A introducing the light from the light source to the measurement cell via the optical fiber and a light path B guiding the light from the light source to the spectroscope not via the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes: an optical fiber being provided either of between a light source and a measurement cell and between the measurement cell and a light detection part; and light path switching means adapted to achieve switching between a measurement cell passage state in which a light path formed by light transmission means passes through the measurement cell and a measurement cell non-passage state in which the light path formed by the light transmission means passes through a region different from the measurement cell, wherein calibration processing for a first calibration with a long calibration cycle is performed in the measurement cell passage state, and calibration processing for a second calibration with a short calibration cycle is performed in the measurement cell non-passage state.