Particle Measurement Optics for Automatic Solvent Refractive Index

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for measuring the size and density of particles, such as protein aggregates, are hindered by the need for accurate user input of refractive indices of both the particle and solvent, which is burdensome and inaccurate due to variations in solvent conditions like pH, salt, and surfactant additions.

Innovation Solution

A particle measurement device that calculates the refractive index of the solvent by determining the boundary position between a light-transmitting window and the sample, using known refractive indices of the window and solvent, thereby eliminating the need for user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the user inputs refractive indices manually to measure particle size and density, then measurement precision can be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the burdensome input requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle size and density measurement accuracyVSAvoiduser input burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device automatically determines the refractive index of the solvent by detecting the boundary position between the light-transmitting window and the sample, eliminating the need for manual user input. The system serves itself by autonomously acquiring the necessary optical parameters to calculate the refractive index, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs preliminary measurement of the refractive index before the main particle size and density measurement. By determining the refractive index in advance through boundary position detection, the system prepares all necessary optical parameters ahead of time, allowing the main measurement to proceed without requiring user input for refractive index values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the refractive index of the solvent is not accurately known due to variations in pH, salt, and surfactant additions, then measurement precision deteriorates, but the complexity of managing multiple parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefractive index accuracyVSAvoidparameter management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual parameter input and complex refractive index management with an automated optical measurement system. By using light boundary detection and automatic calculation, the system substitutes the complex task of tracking multiple solvent parameters (pH, salt, surfactant) with a straightforward optical measurement process, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual refractive index input is required, then device complexity remains low, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming user input and potential measurement rejections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device performs self-service by automatically determining the refractive index through boundary position detection, eliminating the need for manual user input. This automation significantly reduces the time required for each measurement, thereby increasing productivity and measurement throughput without requiring complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Improves measurement accuracy and convenience by automatically determining the refractive index of the solvent, reducing user burden and enhancing precision in size and density measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a signal acquisition step of detecting reflected light reflected from the object by irradiating the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a step of focusing light from the light source onto the sample with an objective lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS12510459B2Particle measurement device, particle measurement method, sample container

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

AI summary

An object of the invention is to improve measurement accuracy depending on a refractive index while reducing a burden of a user inputting a refractive index of a particle or a refractive index of a solvent to a measurement device in a case of measuring a size or density of the particle by light irradiation. A particle measurement device according to the invention specifies a boundary position between a light transmitting window and a sample along an optical axis direction, and calculates a refractive index of the sample using a refractive index of a known sample at the boundary position and a refractive index of the light transmitting window (see FIG. 6).