Rotatable Clamping Sample Holder for DLS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample holders for dynamic light scattering (DLS) are limited in their ability to accommodate various container sizes and types, and they compromise optical access for efficient heat transfer, leading to suboptimal performance in temperature control and measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with rotatable clamping members and optical waveguide slots that allow for versatile container positioning, enabling efficient heat transfer and optical access for DLS systems, accommodating different container sizes and types, and facilitating the collection of scattered light from multiple angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If heating and cooling elements are located beneath the container, then optical access is ensured, but heat transfer efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-point heating/cooling beneath the container to multi-point contact along the container's circumference. The clamping members engage the container at multiple locations (both ends and intermediate points), distributing thermal contact across multiple dimensions rather than relying on a single thermal path.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating and cooling functions are segmented into multiple independent contact points along the container. Instead of one large heating element beneath the container, the system uses multiple clamping members with integrated thermal contact surfaces that can be independently positioned and controlled.
2Measurement precision
If sample holders are designed for specific container sizes, then measurement precision is improved, but versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping members are designed with rotational movement capability, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and orientation to accommodate different container sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal optical alignment and thermal contact regardless of the specific container dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder system is designed to universally accommodate multiple container types (round capillaries, square cuvettes) and sizes through its adjustable clamping mechanism. The same basic structure can adapt to hold various container geometries by adjusting the clamping members' positions and orientations.
3Device complexity
If clamping members are fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but optical access and heat transfer are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping members incorporate rotational movement to dynamically optimize both optical access and thermal contact. By rotating the clamping members to specific angular positions, the system aligns optical waveguide slots with the container while simultaneously positioning thermal contact surfaces for maximum heat transfer efficiency.
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 sample holder enhances the precision and versatility of DLS measurements by allowing for uniform heat transfer and simultaneous optical analysis, improving the accuracy of particle size determination and temperature control across a range of fluid samples.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second clamping members each defining at least one optical waveguide slot extending therethrough, the optical waveguide slots being substantially aligned with the translucent container when the first and second clamping members are disposed in the analysis position, to thereby provide optical access to the translucent container
Implementation Method 2
enabling efficient heat transfer and optical access for DLS systems
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a sample holder and associated fluid container assembly for optical analysis of a fluid sample within a translucent container of the fluid container assembly. The sample holder includes clamping members rotatably mounted to a frame for rotation, about parallel axes spaced apart from each other, between a container accepting position in which the clamping members are spaced apart from the translucent container, and an analysis position in the clamping members abut the translucent container. The clamping members each define an optical waveguide slot extending therethrough that is substantially aligned with the translucent container when the clamping members are disposed in the analysis position, to thereby provide optical access to the translucent container for optical analysis of the fluid sample therein.