Optical Flow Cell Floating Seal Path-Length Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical flow cells for spectroscopic analysis of body fluids face issues with sample contamination and inconsistent optical path-length due to slidable or compressive mechanisms, affecting precision and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A variable path length optical flow cell that expands and closes like a bellows, utilizing a diamond-shaped floating seal to maintain precise optical path-length during measurements and increase chamber depth for efficient flushing, avoiding compression of the seal between cell portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a slidable mechanism is used to adjust the optical path-length, then the flow cell can switch between measurement and flushing positions, but sample contamination occurs and dimensional consistency of path-length is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slidable mechanism entirely and replaces it with a floating seal system. The seal is extracted from the traditional fixed-position design and allowed to float freely to balance pressures during both measurement and flushing operations, eliminating the contamination and dimensional inconsistency problems of slidable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating seal is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to move and adjust its position automatically to balance pressures during different operational modes. This dynamic adjustment maintains consistent optical path-length without requiring mechanical sliding components.
2Productivity
If a compressive force is applied between cell portions to clear the sample, then the flow path cross section increases for efficient flushing, but the optical path-length is affected by compression of the elastomeric gasket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastomeric gasket from the system entirely. Instead of compressing a gasket to increase flow path cross-section, the invention uses a floating seal that naturally balances pressures without compression, eliminating the source of optical path-length distortion while maintaining flushing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating seal acts as an intermediary element between the measurement and flushing functions. It mediates the pressure differences during flushing without requiring compression of sealing elements, thereby maintaining optical path-length accuracy while enabling efficient flushing.
3Ease of operation
If the flow cell is opened for flushing, then sample removal is improved, but the optical path-length is compromised during the flushing process
Solution Approach 1:
The floating seal provides dynamic adaptation during flushing operations. As the seal floats to balance pressures, it automatically adjusts to maintain the optimal optical path-length configuration even during flushing, eliminating the need to choose between easy flushing and precise measurement.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A sample cell apparatus (100) for use in spectroscopic determination of an analyte in a body fluid sample includes a first plate member (10) made from an optically clear material and a second plate member (20) made from an optically clear material and opposing the first plate member (10). A channel (12, 22) extending into a surface of the first plate member (10) and an opposing surface of the second plate member (20) houses a floating seal (30). The floating seal (30) surrounds a fluid chamber (50) that retains a sample of body fluid for optical measurement. The fluid chamber (50) may be opened for flushing by separating the first plate member (10) from the second plate member (20). During measurements the fluid chamber (50) is closed to define a repeatable optical path-length therethrough by urging the first plate member (10) against the second plate member (20) without compressing the floating seal (30) between the first plate member (10) and the second plate member (20).