Rotating Mirror and Filter Wheel Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-channel sample analyzers face limitations in measuring multiple samples at high speed and various wavelengths due to the need for multiple optical detectors and expensive CCDs, as well as restricted filter wheel speed, which increases production costs and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection apparatus featuring a filter wheel with multiple color filters connected in a disk shape and a mirror unit that rotates synchronously with the filter wheel, allowing multiple beams of light to be sequentially reflected to a single optical detector through optical channels, enabling efficient multi-channel multi-color measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple separate optical detectors are used to analyze multiple samples simultaneously, then the measurement speed and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical detection functions into a single optical detector by using a filter wheel that sequentially blocks different wavelength ranges. This allows one detector to perform the work of multiple detectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to analyze multiple samples simultaneously at high speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamically rotating filter wheel that changes the wavelength selection in real-time during measurement. This dynamic component enables a single static optical detector to perform multiple detection functions, resolving the contradiction between measurement speed and device complexity.
2Productivity
If a CCD with large area is used to detect light from multiple samples, then the measurement capability is improved, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple expensive CCDs into a single, more affordable optical detector by using a filter wheel mechanism. This merging approach maintains the ability to detect light from multiple samples while significantly reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex CCD detectors with a simpler, more affordable optical detector paired with a mechanically simple filter wheel. This substitution achieves the same measurement capability at a fraction of the cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating filter wheel is used to measure multiple wavelengths, then the adaptability is improved, but the measurement speed is limited by the filter wheel rotation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple filter wheels into a single integrated filter wheel that handles multiple wavelength ranges simultaneously. This consolidation allows the system to measure multiple wavelengths at high speed without being limited by the rotation speed of individual filters, as the single filter wheel can present multiple wavelength options in rapid succession.
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 allows for high-speed measurement of multiple samples at various wavelengths using a single optical detector, reducing production costs and achieving a compact design while enhancing measurement speed and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector 18, for example, a photo multiplier tube (PMT)
Implementation Method 2
a filter wheel 12 having at least two color filters 12a through 12d connected to each other to form a disk form
Implementation Method 3
a mirror unit 20 having a plurality of mirrors 21 through 25 that sequentially reflect the wavelengths of light transmitted through the filter wheel 12 to the optical detector 18
Implementation Method 4
Light emitted from the light source 112 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 114 and is partially absorbed by the sample 130 on the sample holder 117
Implementation Method 5
a dichroic mirror 114
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an optical detection apparatus which can measure multi-channel samples at high speed and various wavelengths using an optical detector and a multi-channel sample analyzer employing the same. The optical detection apparatus includes an optical detector; a filter wheel having at least two color filters connected to each other in the shape of a disk; a plurality of optical channels through which a plurality of beams of light enter the filter wheel; and a mirror unit including a plurality of mirrors for sequentially reflecting the plurality of beams of light transmitted through the filter wheel to the optical detector, wherein the mirror unit rotates together with the filter wheel.