Optical Fluid Analysis in Pipettor Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing fluidic samples in clinical diagnostics are limited as they can only detect phase transitions and require additional components and steps to analyze other properties, leading to increased complexity and time consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving calibration of a light source to differentiate between air-filled and fluid-filled hoses, emitting a light beam at a defined wavelength, detecting phase boundaries, and measuring absorption and scattered light to evaluate the properties of the fluid, allowing for the analysis of various parameters such as magnetic particle concentration, reagent concentration, and blood plasma conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device is used to detect only phase transitions in a fluid line, then the detection function is simple, but additional components and steps are required to analyze other fluid properties
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same basic components. The light source and receiver can detect phase transitions, fluid presence, and fluid properties (color, turbidity, concentration) by varying the wavelength and measurement parameters, eliminating the need for separate detection devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system analyzes different fluid properties by changing the wavelength of light used for measurement. By selecting appropriate wavelengths and measurement parameters, the same optical system can detect various properties such as color, turbidity, and concentration of substances in the fluid
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added to analyze further fluid properties, then the analysis capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same basic components. The light source and receiver can detect phase transitions, fluid presence, and fluid properties (color, turbidity, concentration) by varying the wavelength and measurement parameters, eliminating the need for separate detection devices for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection steps are implemented to measure different fluid properties, then the analysis comprehensiveness improves, but the analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs multiple measurements continuously as the fluid passes through the detection point. Phase transition detection, fluid presence detection, and property measurements are conducted in a continuous manner without requiring separate discrete steps, thereby reducing total analysis time while maintaining comprehensive analysis capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of phase transitions and fluid presence before conducting detailed property measurements. This allows the system to prepare for and optimize subsequent measurements, reducing overall analysis time by avoiding unnecessary detailed measurements when fluid properties are not within the required range
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 efficient and accurate analysis of different fluid properties directly in a pipettor, reducing the need for additional components and steps, and providing process control to ensure accurate sample handling and reagent dosing, while identifying faulty samples like haemolytic, icteric, or lipemic blood plasma.
Implementation Method 1
Measuring absorption of the light and/or scattered light with the receiver
Implementation Method 2
Measuring absorption of the light and/or scattered light with the receiver
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for analysing parameters of a fluid in a hose (5), comprising the steps of calibrating a current of a light source (20) for emitting light (10) so that the signals resulting from light received by a receiver (30) arranged behind an air filled hose (5) and a fluid filled hose (5) allow a differentiation between the signal for an air filled hose (5) and a fluid filled hose (5); emitting light (10) by the light source (20) at a defined wavelength through the hose (5) wherein the receiver (30) is arranged behind the hose (5) with an angle with respect to the axis of a light beam (10); detecting a phase boundary between air and fluid during aspiration of the fluid into the hose (5) by measuring signals with the receiver (30); determining when the hose (5) is filled with fluid; increasing the current of the light source (20) when the hose (5) is filled with fluid; measuring absorption of the light (10) and/or scattered light (10) with the receiver (30); and evaluating the amount and intensity of the measured absorbed and/or scattered light (10).