Reflectometer Test Strip Holder for Consistent Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reflectometer-based colorimetric analysis faces challenges with inconsistent results due to contamination and positioning issues of apertured test strips, which affect the accuracy of analyses in biological and water samples.
Innovation Solution
A reflectometer-based apparatus and method utilizing a test strip holder with a translucent, colorimetric indicator-bearing matrix and a white background channel for consistent positioning and fluid flow, ensuring accurate light reflection and improved sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an apertured test strip is inserted into a reflectometer for analysis, then colorimetric analysis can be performed, but interfering materials such as liquid drops and dirt can contaminate the reflectometer optics
Solution Approach 1:
A holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the test strip and the reflectometer. The holder contains the test strip and interfaces with the reflectometer, preventing direct contact between potentially contaminating test strip materials and the reflectometer optics while still enabling the analysis function
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the test strip, the holder, and the reflectometer. This segmentation allows the holder to serve as a protective interface that separates the test strip insertion function from the optical analysis function, preventing contamination transfer
2Ease of operation
If the test strip pad is positioned with respect to the reflectometer light source, then analysis can be performed, but the test strip pad may vary or move during analysis producing inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The holder pre-positions the test strip pad in the correct location before the analysis begins. By establishing the proper positioning in advance through the holder's structure, the system ensures consistent alignment with the light source throughout the analysis process, preventing movement and variability
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as a mediating structure that mechanically couples the test strip to the reflectometer positioning system. This intermediary ensures that the test strip maintains its intended position relative to the light source, translating the holder's stable positioning into consistent measurement conditions
3Ease of operation
If a foldable test strip holder with opaque pads is used, then the reacted color indicator pad can be viewed through the aperture, but the apparatus has limited analytical applicability requiring enzyme pad and physical contact of pads
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes colorimetric indicators that change color in response to analyte concentration. This optical detection method replaces the need for enzyme pads and physical contact mechanisms, enabling versatile application to various analytes while maintaining ease of visual reading through the aperture
Solution Approach 2:
The holder design with aperture for visual reading is combined with a positioning channel that accommodates various test strip types. This multi-functional approach allows the same apparatus to handle different analytical applications without requiring specialized enzyme pads or pad-contact mechanisms, enhancing versatility
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
The solution provides consistent and sensitive analysis results by ensuring proper positioning and minimizing contamination, enhancing the accuracy of water and biological fluid testing, including chlorine and ozone detection, up to 0.01 ppm sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a light beam of an appropriate wavelength through the test strip holder aperture and toward the test strip aperture whereby emitted light that passes through the translucent matrix, is reflected by the white background of the channel, detecting reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a reflectometer-based apparatus and method for colorimetric analysis. Advantageously, the present invention includes use of a test strip provided with an aperture over which a translucent colorimetric, indicator-bearing matrix is affixed. In addition, the present invention beneficially includes a test strip holder that includes a test strip-holding channel provided with a white background.