Optical Flow Cell With Dynamic Pathlength Switching for Accurate Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical flow cells face inaccuracies in measurement due to non-linear absorption responses at high or low concentrations, and require multiple optical paths or complex systems, which increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An optical flow cell with a retractable optical pathlength adjuster and modifier, using a piezo-electric cantilever driver mechanism or magnetic element, allows rapid adjustment of optical pathlength without multiple waveguides, enabling accurate and fast pathlength variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed optical path length is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates at high or low concentrations due to non-linear absorption responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable optical path length flow cell where the optical path length can be dynamically adjusted between at least two different lengths. This allows the system to adapt to different concentration ranges, maintaining linear absorption responses and measurement precision across varying conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and variable precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical paths or waveguides are provided to enable variable pathlength, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single optical path into multiple selectable path lengths within the same flow cell structure. By providing at least two distinct optical path lengths through a single cell design, the system achieves variable pathlength capability without requiring multiple separate flow cells or waveguide systems, thus reducing complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable optical fibre is used to vary optical pathlength, then the adaptability improves, but the speed of adjustment deteriorates making real-time measurement impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements rapid switching capability between different optical path lengths, enabling real-time adaptation to varying concentration conditions. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the system to change path lengths quickly enough for real-time measurements in fast-flowing fluids, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and adjustment speed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable cell length is used to vary optical pathlength, then the adaptability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in achieving high accuracy and repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides discrete, predefined optical path length options within a single flow cell, eliminating the need for continuous adjustment mechanisms. This segmented approach allows operators to select from specific path length configurations, ensuring high accuracy and repeatability while maintaining ease of operation through simple selection rather than complex adjustment procedures.
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
Enables accurate and fast optical pathlength adjustment, improving measurement range and reducing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for multiple optical paths and waveguides.
Implementation Method 1
using a piezo-electric cantilever driver mechanism
Implementation Method 2
or magnetic element
Implementation Method 3
the amount of light passing though the fluid in a cavity of the optical flow cell adheres to the Beer-Lambert law
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical flow cell (100, 300) and a method (400) for bioprocessing applications. The optical flow cell (100, 300) comprises a fluid inlet (102, 302), a fluid outlet (104, 304), and a fluid flow channel (106, 306) provided between said fluid inlet (102, 302) and said fluid outlet (104, 304). The optical flow cell (100, 300) also comprises an output optical waveguide (108, 308) configured to emit light into said fluid flow channel (106, 306), and a collector optical waveguide (110, 310) configured to collect light from said fluid flow channel (106, 306). An optical pathlength adjuster (120, 320) for varying the optical pathlength (130, 330) between said output optical waveguide (108, 308) and said collector optical waveguide (110, 310) is also provided.