Removable Prism Sample Holder Without Optical Glue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prism-based analytical instruments, such as SPR and PWR, require manual cleaning and maintenance, leading to inefficiencies and potential cross-contamination due to direct sample introduction to the prism surface, complex optical glue application, and fixed sample compartments that are difficult to thoroughly clean.
Innovation Solution
A removable sample holder device that integrates a prism retainer and sample compartment, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without optical glue, reducing the need for manual cleaning and simplifying the workflow by integrating fluid inlet and outlet ports, and enabling thorough cleaning of all components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical glue is used to attach prism and sensor chip, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical glue from the system entirely by designing a mechanical press-fit interface between the prism and sensor chip. The prism holder directly presses the prism against the sensor chip surface, eliminating the need for adhesive materials and their associated application and cleaning steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (optical glue) with a mechanical bonding mechanism (press-fit interface). The prism is held in place through direct mechanical contact and friction between the prism holder and prism surface, eliminating chemical adhesives.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning of prism and sample compartment is performed, then cross-contamination is prevented, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the instrument into separable modules: a reusable prism holder that can be detached and cleaned independently from the main instrument body. This segmentation allows the prism holder to be quickly removed and cleaned without disassembling the entire instrument, reducing cleaning time while maintaining contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes an embodiment where the sensor chip is disposable and can be easily replaced without cleaning the prism holder extensively. The cheap, replaceable sensor chip absorbs contamination, allowing simple rinsing of the prism holder between uses rather than complex cleaning procedures.
3Reliability
If instrument is shut down and disassembled for cleaning, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The prism holder is designed as a separable component that can be easily detached from the instrument body without full disassembly. This allows users to remove and clean only the necessary component (prism holder) while leaving the main instrument assembled and operational, maintaining productivity while achieving thorough cleaning of critical surfaces.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed sample compartment design is used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of maintenance and cleaning worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed sample compartment is segmented into a reusable prism holder and disposable sensor chip. The prism holder provides structural stability when mounted, while its separable design allows easy removal for cleaning or replacement, combining structural integrity with maintenance ease.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a removable sample holder for analytical instruments or apparatuses that utilizes a prism. For example, sample devices of the invention can be used in a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy device, a plasmon-waveguided resonance (PWR) spectroscopic device, as well as other spectroscopy devices known to one skilled in the art that uses a prism. The present invention is also directed to methods for using the same. The sample holder device (100) includes a prism retainer (200) and a sample holder (300). Unlike conventional SPR and PWR instruments that have a built-in sample chamber, the sample holder device (100) of the present invention provides a separate sample chamber that can be readily removed and replaced. Furthermore, by allowing ready replacement of the prism the sample holder device (100) of the invention allows user to fabricate custom sensor chips.