Rotating Optical Path Block for Non-Contact Path Length Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical path length changing devices require insertion into the measurement subject, causing physical interference and contamination, leading to pressure drop, flow obstruction, and reduced measurement accuracy due to light loss.

Innovation Solution

An optical device with an optical element block and rotation mechanism that changes the angle of the optical path relative to the measurement subject, allowing path length adjustment without direct contact, thus minimizing interference and maintaining measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a variable optical path length cell is used to change optical path length, then optical measurement capability is improved, but the device structure becomes complex and requires insertion into the measurement subject causing physical interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the optical path length changing function from the measurement subject itself and places it in the external optical element block. The optical elements (mirrors, lenses) are arranged around the measurement subject to form variable optical paths without requiring insertion into the liquid sample, thereby eliminating physical interference while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical element block that mediates between the light source and the measurement subject. This block contains optical elements that can be positioned and oriented to create variable optical path lengths through reflection and refraction, allowing path length adjustment without direct contact with the measurement subject

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If optical path length is changed by inserting elements into the measurement subject, then optical path length varies, but contamination and light loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical path length adjustmentVSAvoidcontamination and light loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the harmful elements from the measurement subject environment by placing all optical path length changing components in an external block. The optical elements interact with light before and after the measurement subject, never inserting into the liquid, thus eliminating contamination risk while maintaining optical path variability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical insertion of optical elements into the liquid with an optical system based on reflection and refraction at interfaces. The optical element block uses mirrors and lenses arranged at specific angles to create variable optical paths through light redirection, eliminating the need for physical insertion while achieving the same optical path length adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If optical elements are inserted into the measurement subject to change path length, then optical measurement is enabled, but pressure drop and flow obstruction occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical measurementVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the optical path length changing function from within the liquid flow path and places it in an external optical element block. The optical elements are arranged around the measurement subject and use reflection and refraction to create variable optical paths without obstructing the liquid flow, thereby eliminating pressure drop while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 device easily changes optical path length while suppressing effects on the measurement subject, reducing contamination and light loss, and maintaining signal intensity and measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an optical element block including optical elements configured to form an optical path of light used for optical measurement, arranged around a measurement subject so that the optical path intersects the measurement subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical path intersection: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12517059B2Optical device

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

An optical device 1 includes: an optical element block 10 including optical elements that form an optical path P of light used for optical measurement, arranged around a measurement subject S so that the optical path P intersects the measurement subject S; and a rotation mechanism 20 configured to change an angle of the optical element block 10 relative to the measurement subject S so that the total length of the portion of the optical path P coincident with the measurement subject S changes.