Prism-Shaped Refractometer Window With Integrated Lens Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refractometers face challenges with measurement accuracy and stability due to rigidly fixed optics and plane surfaces, which are prone to errors from thermal movement and vibrations, especially when measuring small angular changes.
Innovation Solution
A refractometer arrangement featuring a prism-shaped measuring window with integrated lens surfaces that have optical refractive power, allowing for a simpler lens system and improved mechanical stability, where lenses closest to the window are of the same material and form seamless structures with the window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate optical components (lenses) are used to focus light in a refractometer with plane surfaces, then light focusing capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases and mechanical stability decreases due to rigidly fixed optics prone to errors from thermal movement and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lens function directly into the measuring window by forming lens surfaces on the entrance and exit surfaces of the prism-shaped window. This integration eliminates separate optical components and their mounting structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise angular measurement capability through the optically powered surfaces that focus light without requiring rigid mechanical fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature to the entrance and/or exit surfaces of the measuring window to create optical refractive power. These curved surfaces act as lenses that focus light, replacing the need for separate spherical lens components. The curvature is carefully designed to provide the necessary focusing capability while simplifying the overall optical system structure
2Ease of manufacture
If plane surfaces are used in the measuring window, then manufacturing is simplified, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to non-linearity in angular distribution and refractive index measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curvature to specific surfaces (entrance and/or exit surfaces) of the measuring window to correct the non-linearity problem. The curved surfaces provide optical refractive power that compensates for the angular distribution non-linearity caused by plane surfaces, thereby improving refractive index measurement accuracy while maintaining manufacturability through standard optical forming techniques
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate optical components are used, then light focusing is achieved, but the number of optical surfaces increases causing more reflections and blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light focusing, reflection, and measurement) into a single integrated measuring window structure. By forming lens surfaces directly on the prism surfaces, it eliminates the need for separate lens components and their mounting hardware, reducing the total number of optical surfaces from six or more to just three (entrance, measuring, and exit surfaces), thereby minimizing reflections and blurring while maintaining image quality
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 solution enhances measurement accuracy and stability by reducing the number of optical surfaces, allowing for more precise angular measurements and improved mechanical stability, even at high temperatures, and simplifies the construction and sealing of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a first surface through which light originating from a light source is adapted to be directed to the measuring surface through the prism-shaped measuring window
Implementation Method 2
a second surface, through which totally reflected light from an interface between the measuring surface in contact with the substance being measured and the substance being measured, is adapted to be directed outside of the measuring window for analysis
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary arrangement includes a prism-shaped measuring window, which has a measuring surface adapted to contact a substance being measured. A first surface is adapted to direct light originating from a light source to the measuring surface through the measuring window. A second surface is adapted to direct totally reflected light from an interface between the measuring surface in contact with the substance being measured and a substance being measured outside of the measuring window. A first lens arrangement is adapted to focus the light from the light source on the first surface. A second lens arrangement is adapted to focus the totally reflected light passing through the second surface to a device used for analysis. A lens in each of the first and second lens arrangements closest to the measuring window is integrated into the measuring window and establishes optical refractive power in the first and second surfaces.