Photometric Dispensing Nozzle with Integrated Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photometric dispensing apparatuses have a complex structure and increased scale due to separate mechanisms for substance extraction and light measurement, requiring multiple parts and cylinders for varying liquid volumes, leading to inefficiencies and user burden.
Innovation Solution
A photometric dispensing nozzle unit with a combined nozzle and dispensing cylinder design, featuring a light guide path optically connected through the nozzle without the dispensing cylinder, and a plunger with distinct shaft portions for varying liquid volumes, allowing for efficient suction and discharge of both minute and large amounts of liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanisms are provided for substance extraction and light measurement, then each function can be performed independently, but the apparatus scale increases and structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light measurement mechanism and substance extraction mechanism into a single integrated apparatus. The light guide path is positioned to pass through the dispensing tip, allowing optical measurements to be performed while the tip is inserted in containers. This merging eliminates the need for separate independent mechanisms, reducing apparatus scale and structural complexity while maintaining functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus serves multiple functions: it can perform both optical measurements (photometry, fluorescence detection) and liquid dispensing operations through the same structural platform. The light guide path integration allows the apparatus to function as both a measurement device and a dispensing device, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If multiple dispensing cylinders are prepared for different liquid volumes, then accuracy for various volumes can be maintained, but the number of parts increases and treatment becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable cross-sectional area design within the dispensing cylinder, creating different volume regions (first volume region with smaller cross-section for minute volumes, second volume region with larger cross-section for large volumes). The plunger can operate in different positions within this dynamic structure, allowing accurate dispensing of both minute amounts (0.5-30 μL) and large amounts (20-1000 μL) using a single cylinder, thereby maintaining precision without increasing part count.
3Device complexity
If a single dispensing cylinder is used for both minute and large volumes, then the number of parts is reduced, but high accuracy for minute amounts cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing cylinder features locally differentiated cross-sectional areas: a first volume region with a smaller cross-sectional area optimized for minute volume dispensing (0.5-30 μL) and a second volume region with a larger cross-sectional area for large volume dispensing (20-1000 μL). This local quality variation allows the single cylinder to achieve high accuracy for both volume ranges by providing appropriately scaled measurement and dispensing zones for different operational requirements.
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 simplifies the apparatus, reduces the number of parts, and enables easy handling and rapid treatment by allowing a single nozzle and cylinder to handle a wide range of volumes, improving accuracy and reducing user burden.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide path which is optically connected to the light guide end portion through the nozzle without through the dispensing cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a plunger having a thick shaft portion provided so as to be slidable in the large diameter region and a thin shaft portion protruding from a distal end surface of the thick shaft portion in a longitudinal direction and provided so as to be slidable in the small diameter region
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a photometric dispensing nozzle unit, a photometric dispensing apparatus, and a photometric dispensing method, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photometric dispensing nozzle unit, a photometric dispensing apparatus, and a photometric dispensing method, preventing an increase in apparatus scale and having a simple structure to be easily handled. The present invention includes: a nozzle that performs suction/discharge of gas through a distal end opening and can have a dispensing tip attached thereto; a light guide end portion that is provided in the nozzle and can receive or irradiate light at a distal end of the nozzle; a dispensing cylinder including a cylinder having a cavity therein, a plunger that is slidable in the cavity, and a suction/discharge port that performs suction/discharge of gas; a suction/discharge flow path that passes through the nozzle and communicates with the suction/discharge port and the distal end opening of the nozzle; and a light guide path optically connected to the light guide end portion through the nozzle but not through the dispensing cylinder.