Optical Flow Cell Arcuate Loft Surfaces for Air Pocket Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor probes face accuracy issues due to the formation of air pockets and inhomogeneities on the probe surface or in the detection region, which prevent full contact of the sample volume with the delivered energy, leading to inaccurate measurements in real-time fluid monitoring using optical-based methods like UV-VIS spectroscopy.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical transmission flow cell with arcuate loft surfaces within the fluid pathway cavity, formed through additive manufacturing, promotes laminar flow and reduces air pocket formation by directing fluid flow smoothly through the cell, ensuring consistent energy interaction and accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensor probes are used for real-time fluid monitoring, then the measurement process can be performed, but air pockets and inhomogeneities form on the probe surface or in the detection region, leading to loss of accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces arcuate loft surfaces within the fluid pathway cavity that curve upward from the optical pathway cavity floor. These curved surfaces direct fluid flow smoothly and prevent air pockets from forming or becoming trapped in the detection region, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while allowing conventional sensor probe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the fluid pathway cavity by adding arcuate loft surfaces with specific curvature characteristics. This changes the flow dynamics parameters, promoting laminar flow and preventing air pocket formation, thus resolving the contradiction between enabling measurement and preventing harmful air pocket formation.
2Productivity
If fluid flows through the optical pathway cavity, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but air pockets may form and prevent full contact of sample volume with delivered energy
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate loft surfaces create a curved flow path that guides fluid smoothly through the optical pathway cavity. This curvature prevents air pockets from forming and ensures complete contact between the sample volume and the delivered optical energy, maintaining both real-time monitoring capability and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the arcuate loft surfaces specifically within the fluid pathway cavity at locations where air pocket formation is most likely to occur. This localized modification addresses the specific problem of air pocket formation in the detection region without affecting other aspects of the sensor probe, thereby maintaining productivity while improving measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If conventional flow cell design is used, then fluid can be introduced into contact with energy from the probe, but inhomogeneities adversely affect sensor response
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate loft surfaces provide a curved transition path for fluid entering the optical pathway cavity. This curved geometry promotes smooth laminar flow and prevents turbulence and inhomogeneities, ensuring consistent sensor response while maintaining ease of fluid introduction operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate loft surfaces are positioned upstream in the fluid pathway to pre-condition the fluid flow before it reaches the optical detection region. This preliminary action of smoothing the flow path prevents inhomogeneities from developing, ensuring reliable sensor response consistency from the start of the measurement process.
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 use of arcuate loft surfaces in the optical transmission flow cell enhances measurement accuracy by preventing air pockets and improving laminar flow, resulting in stable and consistent spectrometer readings across varying fluid flow rates, even at higher speeds.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one arcuate loft surface is configured to promote laminar flow of fluid within the fluid pathway cavity
Implementation Method 2
forming an optical pathway cavity through the housing and through the fluid pathway cavity. The optical pathway cavity is configured to receive an optical fiber to emit light through the fluid pathway cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming an optical transmission flow cell that includes forming a fluid pathway cavity though a housing, and forming an optical pathway cavity through the housing and through the fluid pathway cavity, the optical pathway cavity configured to receive an optical fiber to emit light through the fluid pathway cavity. Material is added at a transition between the optical pathway cavity and fluid pathway cavity to form a surface at the transition configured to prevent formation of air pockets within fluid in the optical pathway cavity.