Particle Counter Multi-Flow Cell Optical Path Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle counters face challenges in accurately counting particles due to inconsistent light conditions for different sample fluids and particles, leading to potential errors in counting results.
Innovation Solution
A particle counter with a multi-flow cell configuration that adjusts the optical path and light conditions, using optical equipment such as filters and beam splitters, to optimize light intensity and wavelength for each flow passage based on the characteristics of the sample fluid and particles, ensuring accurate counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common light source is used for all flow cells, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because light conditions cannot be optimized for different sample fluids and particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common light source into multiple independent adjustable units, with each flow cell having its own light intensity control. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light conditions for each sample fluid type while maintaining a physically shared light source structure, thus improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities for light intensity and wavelength for each flow cell. The light conditions can be changed in real-time based on the sample fluid type and particle characteristics, transforming the static common light source into a dynamically adaptable system that optimizes measurement precision for different applications.
2Measurement precision
If light intensity is increased to improve particle detection, then measurement precision improves, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to potential damage to sample fluids and particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing independent adjustment of light intensity and wavelength for each flow cell. Instead of using uniformly high light intensity, the system selects optimal parameters based on sample fluid properties and particle characteristics, achieving sufficient detection precision while minimizing harmful effects on the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring light conditions specifically to each flow cell's requirements. Each flow cell receives customized light intensity and wavelength settings matched to its specific sample fluid and particle type, rather than exposing all samples to the same potentially harmful high-intensity light.
3Measurement precision
If separate light sources are used for each flow cell, then measurement precision improves through optimized light conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light control functions while maintaining a shared light source structure. Each flow cell has independent light intensity and wavelength adjustment capabilities through individual control units, achieving the benefits of separate optimization without the complexity of completely separate light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the common light source multi-functional by enabling it to serve multiple flow cells with different optimization requirements simultaneously. The light source structure remains universal and shared, while control functions are customized for each application, reducing device complexity compared to fully separate systems.
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 highly reliable particle counting by adjusting light conditions according to the specific characteristics of each sample fluid and particle type, enhancing the convenience and accuracy of the counting process.
Implementation Method 1
count particles contained in a sample fluid flowing through a flow passage by using light with which the inside of the flow passage is irradiated
Implementation Method 2
The light adjuster includes optical equipment. The optical equipment includes, for example, an optical filter, a beam splitter, and/or the like
Implementation Method 3
The optical equipment includes, for example, an optical filter, a beam splitter, and/or the like
Data Source
AI summary
A particle counter is configured to count particles contained in a sample fluid flowing through a flow passage by using light with which the flow passage is irradiated. The particle counter includes: a multi-flow cell having a plurality of the flow passages; a path adjuster configured to adjust a position of an optical path of the light with respect to the multi-flow cell, based on which flow passage is selected from the flow passages; and a light adjuster configured to adjust a condition of the light with which the selected flow passage is irradiated.