Particle Characterization Apparatus Separable Body Parts Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle characterization instruments face challenges in maintaining accurate alignment and cleanliness of sample cell walls, leading to noise and unreliable measurements due to light scattering from dirty walls and potential misalignment during cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A particle characterization apparatus with separable body parts allows for easy access and cleaning of internal surfaces without disturbing the alignment, using mounts with three-point engagement and spherical bearings to maintain precise positioning and alignment of the light source and detector relative to the sample cell walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample cell is mounted on a removable sub-assembly for cleaning, then the internal surfaces can be accessed for cleaning, but the alignment between the sample cell walls and the instrument main body may be compromised due to multiple locating engagements
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument main body is divided into two separable parts: a first body part that engages with the first sample cell wall, and a second body part that engages with the second sample cell wall. This segmentation allows the body parts to be separated for cleaning access while maintaining alignment through direct engagement with the respective walls, eliminating the need for intermediate sub-assemblies and their associated locating errors.
2Reliability
If the sample cell walls are kept clean to avoid light scattering, then measurement reliability is improved, but the complexity of the cleaning process increases due to the need for disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument main body is designed with dynamic separability, allowing the first and second body parts to be easily separated and reconnected. This dynamic design enables quick access to internal surfaces for cleaning without complex disassembly procedures, maintaining measurement reliability while simplifying the cleaning process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the light source and detector are fixed to a common optical frame, then alignment is maintained, but access to internal surfaces for cleaning is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The common optical frame is segmented into two separate body parts, each fixed to its respective sample cell wall. This segmentation maintains the alignment between the light source and detector through their fixed positions on separate body parts, while simultaneously enabling access to internal surfaces by separating the body parts during cleaning operations.
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
This design ensures accurate and reliable particle size distribution measurements by minimizing alignment errors and reducing noise from dirty surfaces, while also providing a more compact and dust-proof instrument.
Implementation Method 1
the light source is operable to illuminate a sample comprising dispersed particles within the sample cell with a light beam along a light beam axis so as to produce scattered light by interactions of the light beam with the sample
Implementation Method 2
the detector is configured to detect the scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
A particle characterization apparatus having first and second body parts, a light source, a sample cell and a detector. The light source illuminates dispersed particles within the sample cell with a light beam along an axis to produce scattered light. The sample cell has first and second walls. The walls have internal surfaces arranged to be in contact with the sample and an opposite external surface. The light beam passes through the external surface of the first wall, through the internal surface of the first wall, through the sample, through the internal surface of the second wall, and through the external surface of the second wall. The light source is fixed to the first body part, which engages with the first wall. The detector is fixed to the second body part, which engages with the second wall. The first and second body parts are separable to enable access to the internal surfaces of the walls for cleaning.