Reference Vessel Surrogate Probe Validates Photoluminescence Instrument Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photoluminescent sensors used for measuring analyte concentrations, such as oxygen, in enclosed spaces are susceptible to masked malfunctions that can lead to false data and product recalls due to their inability to detect operational failures during normal use.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a reference vessel with a surrogate probe that consistently generates a known perceptible signal, allowing for the validation of analytical instrument operational integrity by comparing it with the signal from working probes in sample vessels, thereby detecting any deviations indicative of system errors or malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photoluminescent sensors are used for measuring analyte concentration in enclosed spaces, then the measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes susceptible to masked malfunctions that generate false data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a validation step before normal measurement operations. A reference vessel with a surrogate probe is used to establish a baseline signal characteristic prior to sample analysis. This preliminary validation ensures the instrument is functioning correctly and prevents masked malfunctions from generating false data during actual measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a surrogate probe in a reference vessel - that mediates between the instrument's measurement system and the actual samples. This surrogate probe generates a known signal that acts as an intermediate reference, allowing detection of instrument malfunctions without being affected by sample variability or environmental conditions.
2Productivity
If a system reports samples as PASS/FAIL based on threshold values, then classification efficiency is improved, but masked malfunctions can cause false reports that are not readily noticed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the signal from the surrogate probe in the reference vessel and comparing it against expected characteristics. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about instrument operational status, allowing detection of masked malfunctions that would otherwise cause false PASS/FAIL reports without disrupting the high-throughput classification process.
3Loss of time
If quick and simple validation methods are implemented, then operational time is reduced, but comprehensive detection of instrument malfunctions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the validation function from the main measurement process by using a separate reference vessel with a surrogate probe. This extraction allows validation to be performed independently and quickly without interfering with sample analysis throughput. The simplified validation approach focuses on detecting the most critical malfunctions while maintaining speed, accepting that not every possible error mode can be detected with the same comprehensiveness as full diagnostic procedures.
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 quick and simple validation of photoluminescence-based analytical instruments, preventing false data generation and potential product recalls by identifying masked malfunctions and ensuring accurate measurement of microbial counts in products.
Implementation Method 1
exciting the probe with radiant energy, and measuring the extent to which radiant energy emitted by the excited probe is quenched
Implementation Method 2
measuring the extent to which radiant energy emitted by the excited probe is quenched by the presence of the target analyte
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
A reference vessel and a method of validating operational integrity of an analytical instrument using the reference vessel. The reference vessel has certain design features that render it particularly suited for interrogation by a specific analytical instrument, and is equipped with a surrogate probe that generates a perceptible signal of known value when interrogated by that instrument regardless of the actual value of the variable in communication with the surrogate probe.