Optical Bench Alignment Rail for Particle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioaerosol detection systems are costly and limited in their ability to measure particles in aerosols and bioaerosols due to the high cost of precision optics and detectors, making widespread deployment and dense sensor networks impractical for applications like hospital environments.
Innovation Solution
An optical system for particle detection that includes a sample inlet and outlet housing, a detection cavity with an axially surrounding wall, a light source for irradiating particles, and a light detector to collect scattered light over a large area, utilizing an alignment rail for precise component alignment and potentially lower-cost components like LEDs or lasers for excitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precision optics and detectors (PMTs, APDs) are used for particle detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile precision optics and detectors with inexpensive, robust components such as LEDs or lasers combined with simple photodetectors or CMOS/CCD cameras. This substitution maintains adequate measurement precision while dramatically reducing system cost, making the device suitable for widespread deployment in settings like hospitals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical alignment systems with a standardized optical bench structure that provides inherent alignment. This substitution eliminates the need for precision mechanical adjustments and expensive optical components while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If expensive detection systems are deployed, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited deployment density
Solution Approach 1:
By using low-cost components, the patent enables deployment of multiple detection units throughout a facility rather than relying on a single expensive instrument. This distributed deployment increases operational ease and maintains reliable detection coverage across large areas like hospitals.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex optical alignment systems are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a standardized optical bench structure featuring parallel reference surfaces and V-grooves. This structural approach provides inherent alignment without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or high-precision manufacturing of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical bench structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, establishes optical alignment reference surfaces, and guides component positioning. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing 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
The system enables cost-effective and efficient measurement of particles in aerosols and bioaerosols, potentially reducing the cost of bioaerosol detection systems and allowing for more widespread deployment of sensors in environments like hospitals.
Implementation Method 1
a light detector for detecting the light that is scattered by particles of the sample fluid in the detection cavity
Implementation Method 2
The photon detectors are made from silicon or photocathode materials (e.g., indium gallium arsenide) that undergo the photoelectric effect (convert photons to electrons)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system for particle detection. The system includes a sample inlet housing; a sample outlet housing; a detection cavity having an axially surrounding wall and disposed between the sample inlet housing and the sample outlet housing; a light source configured to irradiate light through the detection cavity to particles of a sample fluid flowing inside the wall of the detection cavity; a light detector for detecting the light that is scattered by particles of the sample fluid in the detection cavity; an alignment rail having a base and sidewalls which a) extend from the sample inlet housing to the sample outlet housing and b) connect the sample inlet housing to the sample outlet housing; and the alignment rail comprising a channel formed by the base and the sidewalls, the channel having a channel lateral width fitting to a housing width of at least one of the sample inlet housing and the sample outlet housing, whereby the sample inlet housing, the housing, and the sample outlet housing are held in alignment together.