Optical Fluid Analyzer With MEMS Spectrometer and ML Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid analyzers face challenges in miniaturization, integration with sensors, and efficient sealing, leading to limitations in portability, scalability, and accuracy, especially for rapid and cost-effective analysis of biological samples during pandemics.
Innovation Solution
An optical fluid analyzer incorporating a micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) spectrometer and a machine learning engine, with optical elements for sealing and light transmission, enabling miniaturization, integration with sensors, and accurate analysis of fluid parameters, including viral detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fluid analyzers are used, then analysis accuracy is maintained, but device size and complexity increase, reducing portability and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the fluid cell inside the spectrometer housing, with the optical window serving as both a sealing element for the fluid cell and an optical transmission element for the spectrometer. This nested configuration eliminates the need for separate external fluid containment structures, significantly reducing overall device size while maintaining measurement accuracy through the integrated optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical window performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the fluid cell to maintain fluid containment, transmits light for spectral analysis, and serves as a structural component of the integrated device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity and size while preserving analysis accuracy.
2Device complexity
If miniaturization is achieved using MEMS spectrometer, then device size is reduced, but integration challenges and sealing difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid cell sealing function with the optical window function, creating a single integrated component that performs both tasks. The optical window is directly coupled to the fluid cell, eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms. This integration maintains reliable sealing while supporting the miniaturized MEMS spectrometer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid cell is nested within the spectrometer housing with the optical window forming the interface between the two systems. This nested arrangement allows the sealing function to be integrated into the optical path structure, maintaining reliable fluid containment while accommodating the compact MEMS spectrometer and reducing overall device size.
3Reliability
If optical elements are added for sealing, then fluid containment is improved, but light transmission efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The optical window is designed to simultaneously provide fluid sealing and maintain high light transmission efficiency. By selecting materials with appropriate optical properties and optimizing the window thickness, the design achieves reliable fluid containment while minimizing light absorption and energy loss in the spectral range of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as the optical window material composition, thickness, and surface properties to balance sealing effectiveness with light transmission. By adjusting these parameters, the design achieves adequate fluid containment while minimizing light absorption, thereby reducing energy loss and maintaining measurement sensitivity.
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 optical fluid analyzer achieves ultra-rapid, low-cost, and scalable analysis of fluid parameters, enhancing infection control and mass screening capabilities while maintaining fluid sealing integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the optical elements allow the light spectrum to be transmitted therethrough with a negligible absorption value
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the light is absorbed by the fluid, while the rest may be detected, for example, by a spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to an optical fluid analyzer including a fluid cell configured to receive a sample fluid. The optical fluid analyzer further includes optical elements configured to seal the fluid cell on opposing sides thereof and to allow input light from a light source to be sent through the fluid cell and output light from the fluid cell to be input to a spectrometer. The optical fluid analyzer further includes a machine learning (ML) engine, such as an artificial intelligence (AI) engine, that is configured to generate a result defining at least one parameter of the fluid based on a spectrum produced by the spectrometer.