Configurable Optical Sensor Platform for Portable Ion Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detection of ion concentrations in a material sample is challenging due to the need for lab space, substantial preparation, and manual labor, and existing equipment is bulky and expensive, making it difficult to perform accurate ion concentration measurements.
Innovation Solution
A configurable sensor platform assembly with a universal chassis, waveguide housing, photodetectors, and optical filters, allowing for rapid deployment and configuration of chemical concentration sensors using interchangeable components and software programming for various chemical sensor reagents and analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional chemical analytical techniques are used for ion concentration detection, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase due to requirement of lab space, substantial preparation equipment, and manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complex analytical function into modular components: a universal chassis providing structural support, interchangeable waveguide housings for different optical paths, and replaceable sensor cartridges containing specific chemical reagents. This segmentation allows the complex measurement function to be distributed across simple, standardized modules rather than requiring a single complex instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal chassis and standardized waveguide interfaces enable a single platform to perform multiple analytical functions by simply changing the sensor cartridge and waveguide housing. The same basic optical bench can detect different ion concentrations using different reagent-based sensors, eliminating the need for multiple specialized instruments.
2Measurement precision
If traditional analytical equipment is deployed, then accurate chemical analysis is achieved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to bulky equipment and requirement for lab space
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the heavy, stable universal chassis from the lightweight, interchangeable sensor cartridges and waveguide housings, the system maintains measurement precision through the robust chassis while improving portability through the compact, replaceable sensing modules that can be quickly swapped in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cartridges are designed as self-contained units with pre-loaded chemical reagents and integrated waveguide interfaces, eliminating the need for complex sample preparation procedures and manual reagent handling. Users simply insert the cartridge and the system automatically performs the measurement.
3Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used for specific analytes, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as equipment cannot be easily reconfigured for different chemical sensor reagents and analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized waveguide housing and cartridge interface create a universal platform that can accommodate different sensor cartridges designed for specific analytes. Each cartridge contains reagents optimized for a particular measurement, but all cartridges interface with the same optical bench, allowing rapid reconfiguration between different analytical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, dedicated equipment to a dynamic, reconfigurable platform where sensor cartridges and waveguide housings can be changed based on measurement requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical platform to be optimized for different analytes while maintaining measurement precision through proper optical alignment.
4Measurement precision
If manual preparation and operation are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming procedures and requirement for chemist operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cartridges contain pre-measured reagents and integrated optical components that automatically perform the measurement function when inserted into the universal chassis. The system self-aligns the optical path and automatically initiates the measurement sequence, eliminating manual preparation steps and reducing the skill level required for operation while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual manipulation of samples and reagents is replaced by a standardized mechanical insertion interface. The cartridge automatically positions itself in the optical path when inserted, replacing manual alignment procedures with a simple plug-and-play mechanical action that maintains precision while dramatically improving throughput.
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 rapid and accurate ion concentration measurements in diverse environments, reducing equipment size and cost while maintaining precision and adaptability for different analytes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical filters. Each optical filter is configured for positioning between a corresponding photodetector of the plurality of photodetectors and the sample region when the corresponding photodetector is positioned in a corresponding waveguide of the waveguide housing, each optical filter corresponding to a predetermined wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of photodetectors. Each photodetector is configured for positioning within a corresponding waveguide of the waveguide housing
Implementation Method 3
a waveguide housing comprising a plurality of waveguides extending therethrough toward a sample region
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor platform assembly includes a universal chassis and a waveguide housing disposed within the universal chassis that includes waveguides extending toward a sample region. The assembly also includes photodetectors that are configured for positioning within corresponding waveguides and optical filters that are configured for positioning between a corresponding photodetector and the sample region when the corresponding photodetector is positioned in a corresponding waveguide. The assembly includes at least one light source. The assembly is configured to be assembled into a sensor platform that includes a subset of the optical filters. The subset of optical filters are selected for inclusion in the assembled sensor platform based on optical properties corresponding to a target chemical sensor reagent and analyte combination. The optical properties correspond to a set of measurement wavelengths. Predetermined wavelengths of the selected subset of optical filters correspond to the set of measurement wavelengths.