Optical Sensor Liquid Measuring Device Evaporation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample liquid measuring devices face challenges in accurately measuring fluid volume and concentration, especially when dealing with minute amounts due to dispersion and evaporation, making it difficult to detect substances at ppm to ppb levels.
Innovation Solution
A sample liquid measuring device with a transparent container featuring an optical sensor and inclined optical components that detect fluorescent light, allowing for precise measurement of liquid height and concentration by analyzing the intensity and spreading width of the light signal, while minimizing evaporation effects through controlled concentration and gas management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluorescent light detection is used for minute liquid amounts, then detection sensitivity should be high, but the quantity of light is so weak that detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from point detection to area detection by placing a light-receiving element that detects light from an entire surface or a wide area of the sample liquid. This dimensional expansion allows collection of more photons from the fluorescent substance, thereby improving detection sensitivity for minute liquid amounts while maintaining the fluorescent detection approach.
2Measurement precision
If conventional fluid volume measurement is attempted for minute amounts (1 mL or less), then volume measurement should be achieved, but dispersion in dropping fluid volume, evaporation of the solvent, or the like prevent precise measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical/gravity-based liquid dropping with a controlled evaporation process. By allowing the solvent to evaporate in a controlled manner while monitoring the liquid height continuously via optical detection, the system achieves precise volume measurement without the dispersion issues inherent in manual or mechanical dropping methods. The evaporation process is controlled to prevent harmful effects while enabling accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous monitoring of liquid height during the evaporation process using optical detection. This continuous measurement approach allows real-time tracking of volume changes, enabling precise determination of the initial liquid volume and monitoring of evaporation rate, thereby improving measurement reliability compared to discrete or intermittent measurement methods.
3Measurement precision
If repeated measurement is performed to avoid concentration quenching, then measurement accuracy should be maintained, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary measurement at the initial stage when the liquid amount is still sufficient and concentration quenching has not yet occurred. By capturing the measurement data early in the evaporation process, the system obtains accurate results without needing to perform multiple repeated measurements, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous monitoring of liquid height and fluorescent signal intensity during the evaporation process. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify the optimal measurement window before concentration quenching occurs, enabling single-shot accurate measurement. The real-time data provides information about when to perform the concentration measurement, eliminating the need for multiple trial measurements.
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 high-precision measurement of liquid volume and concentration, improving detection sensitivity and avoiding concentration quenching by repeatedly measuring at optimal signal intensity levels, effectively detecting substances at orders of ppm to ppb.
Implementation Method 1
a method of detecting fluorescent light from the specific substance is known
Implementation Method 2
the container including a transparent or translucent optical component with an inclined surface to be brought into contact with the sample liquid; an optical sensor provided on a bottom of the container, which detects light from the sample liquid
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a measuring device for a sample liquid includes a container which stores the sample liquid, the container including a transparent or translucent optical component with an inclined surface to be brought into contact with the sample liquid, an optical sensor provided on a bottom of the container, which detects light from the sample liquid, and a measurement module which measures a concentration of a specific substance contained in the sample liquid, or a liquid height or liquid volume of the sample liquid based on a detected signal of the optical sensor.