Rotating Filter Analyzer for Rapid Wavelength Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional analyzers with light irradiation devices and switching optical filters face difficulties in frequently switching filters in short periods, leading to complex control and high costs due to the need for precise positioning of optical filters.

Innovation Solution

The analyzer employs a rotating filter section with optical filters arranged on a discoidal filter plate, driven by a motor, which intermittently positions different filters on the light path without requiring precise positioning, allowing for frequent switching of lights with varying wavelength characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rotating plate with optical filters is used to switch wavelength characteristics, then the analyzer can irradiate the analyzing object with light having prescribed wavelength characteristics, but the optical filter must be stopped on the path of light and the rotating plate must be repeatedly rotated and stopped, making it difficult to switch filters frequently in a short period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter switching speedVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the optical filter system dynamic by rotating the filter plate at a constant speed without stopping, allowing continuous switching between different wavelength characteristics. This eliminates the need for complex start-stop control mechanisms and enables frequent filter switching in short periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating plate passes through multiple optical filters at regular intervals during continuous rotation, creating a periodic sequence of wavelength characteristics applied to the analyzing object. This periodic action allows frequent switching without requiring the plate to stop and start repeatedly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If the optical filter is stopped on the path of light from the light source, then the analyzing object can be irradiated with light having specific wavelength characteristics at a prescribed time, but the rotating plate must be repeatedly rotated and stopped, complicating control of the rotating plate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength selection accuracyVSAvoidmotor control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous rotation of the filter plate at constant speed, eliminating the need for complex positioning and stopping mechanisms. The desired wavelength is selected by controlling which filter position corresponds to the light path at the appropriate time during continuous rotation, simplifying motor control while maintaining wavelength selection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the optical filter must be correctly stopped on the path of light from the light source, then the analyzing object can be irradiated with light having prescribed wavelength characteristics, but an expensive motor having high positioning accuracy must be employed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter positioning accuracyVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention eliminates the need for expensive high-precision positioning motors by maintaining continuous rotation at constant speed. The system achieves wavelength selection by synchronizing the rotation with the analysis timing, allowing the use of simpler, less expensive motors that do not require high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical positioning and stopping mechanism with a timing-based control system. Instead of physically positioning and stopping the filter at precise locations, the system uses the continuous rotation combined with timed control to achieve the same wavelength selection function, reducing mechanical complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If light having first specific wavelength characteristics and light having second specific wavelength characteristics are applied substantially at the same time, then a reacted sample can be analyzed, but the rotating plate must be repeatedly rotated and stopped, making it disadvantageously difficult to switch optical filters frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidfilter switching frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous rotation of the filter plate creates a periodic sequence of wavelength characteristics that pass through the light path. By synchronizing this periodic action with the analysis requirements, the system can apply different wavelength characteristics at appropriate intervals, enabling frequent switching without stopping the rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 enables frequent switching of optical filters in short periods without the need for precise positioning, reducing complexity and cost, while maintaining accurate analysis of specimens by continuously applying lights with specific wavelength characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

switching optical filters arranged on a path of light from a light source and irradiating an analyzing object with lights transmitted through the optical filters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtration: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

irradiating the analyzing object with light having prescribed wavelength characteristics transmitting through the optical filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP1901056B1analyzer
Publication Date: 2015.08.05 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP1901056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1901056B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1901056B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An analyzer is provided with a light irradiation device. The light irradiation device includes a light source, and a rotatable filter section, which has a plurality of optical filters having different light transmission characteristics, and irradiates an analyzing object with light that passed through the optical filters arranged in a path of the light from the light source while the filter section is rotating, by successively switching the optical filters by rotating the filter section. The analyzer is also provided with an analyzing means for analyzing characteristics of the analyzing object, based on optical information obtained from the analyzing object irradiated with the light by the light irradiation device while the filter section is rotating.