Optical Reader Alignment Registration for Analyte Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical analyte sensors in filter systems lack accurate end-of-service-life indication, particularly in hazardous environments, due to unreliable visual changes and interference from volatile organic compounds, which can lead to incorrect detection of analyte presence or concentration.
Innovation Solution
An optical reader system with multiple light sources and detectors, including broadband and narrowband options, is designed to interrogate optical analyte sensors, using spectral range comparison and color-sensing detectors to provide accurate alignment and analyte detection, thereby enhancing the accuracy of end-of-service-life indication without relying on visual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual inspection methods are used to detect analyte presence, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to unreliable visual changes and interference from volatile organic compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection (mechanical/optical system) with an automated optical reader system that uses light sources and detectors to measure optical properties of the analyte sensor. This substitution eliminates the unreliability of visual changes while maintaining operational simplicity through automated electronic measurement rather than manual visual assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical reader as an intermediary device between the analyte sensor and the user. This intermediary system measures optical properties (such as color, transparency, or light absorption) and converts them into quantitative data, eliminating direct visual inspection and providing precise, objective measurements that are not affected by volatile organic compound interference.
2Device complexity
If single light source and detector are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish between analyte presence and false signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical measurement system into multiple independent light sources (including broadband and narrowband sources) and multiple detectors. Each light source targets specific spectral ranges, allowing the system to measure multiple optical properties simultaneously and distinguish between analyte presence and false signals through comparative analysis of the measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple light sources with different spectral characteristics (broadband and narrowband) to probe the analyte sensor at different wavelengths. By measuring optical properties across multiple spectral parameters and comparing the responses, the system achieves precise analyte detection while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured parameter variation.
3Ease of operation
If visual inspection is used for end-of-service-life indication, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to interference from volatile organic compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the optical reader automatically measures and evaluates the analyte sensor without requiring user visual inspection. The system performs alignment registration, optical property measurement, and service life determination autonomously, maintaining ease of operation through simple user interaction while dramatically improving reliability through automated, objective measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates alignment registration features that provide feedback to ensure proper positioning of the optical reader relative to the analyte sensor. This feedback mechanism (through detection of alignment markers or optical properties) ensures reliable measurements are taken only when the system is properly aligned, eliminating the reliability issues associated with visual inspection while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 reader system provides precise and reliable detection of analyte presence and concentration, reducing false positives and negatives, and ensuring timely replacement of filter systems, even under conditions of low analyte concentration or massive color shifts.
Implementation Method 1
detecting light reflected from an alignment feedback feature
Implementation Method 2
a detector; and a programmable logic device
Implementation Method 3
a broadband light source
Implementation Method 4
a color sensing detector comprising a photodetector array
Data Source
AI summary
An optical reader for interrogating an optical analyte sensor includes a housing, comprising in its interior: at least one light source, a detector, and a programmable logic device. The housing has a registration feature configured to align the optical reader with an optical analyte sensor. Methods for confirming alignment of such optical readers are also disclosed.