Sample Analysis Apparatus with Removable Vial Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample analysis apparatuses face contamination issues and interference with crystal growth, and cleaning is complicated due to integrated components, which affects analysis accuracy and throughput.

Innovation Solution

A sample analysis apparatus with a radiation system and camera, featuring a telecentric lens, detector, and adjustable radiation intensity, housed in a holder that allows vial separation for easy cleaning, with temperature control and pulsed irradiation for clear imaging, and switching between irradiation modes for turbid samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sample analysis apparatus is integrated with the vial holder, then the analysis accuracy is improved, but the cleaning complexity increases and contamination risk arises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidcleaning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into separable components: the sample analysis apparatus (radiation system and analyser) and the holder with vial. This segmentation allows the vial to be easily removed and replaced, simplifying cleaning procedures while maintaining integrated analysis capability when the vial is in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vial is extracted as a separate, removable component from the holder, allowing it to be taken out for cleaning or replacement without affecting the sample analysis apparatus. This extraction resolves the contamination risk and cleaning complexity while preserving measurement precision during analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If the radiation intensity is increased to improve imaging quality, then the image clarity is improved, but the sample deterioration risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoidsample deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation intensity is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system can adapt the radiation intensity level based on the specific analysis requirements and sample sensitivity, allowing optimal balance between image clarity and sample protection for different measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation intensity parameter can be changed and optimized for different samples and analysis conditions. This parameter adjustment allows achieving sufficient image clarity while minimizing radiation exposure and preventing sample deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the telecentric lens is used to maintain consistent image size, then the imaging consistency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A telecentric lens is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the sample and the analyser camera. This specialized lens ensures that rays entering the lens are parallel to the optical axis, producing consistent image size and magnification regardless of object position, thereby achieving imaging consistency while managing the added optical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the vial is made removable from the holder, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the alignment precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with pre-defined alignment features and positioning mechanisms that automatically ensure correct alignment when the vial is placed in the holder. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for manual alignment adjustments, maintaining alignment precision while enabling easy removal and reattachment of the vial.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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 design prevents contamination, maintains crystal integrity, enhances throughput by easy vial exchange, and ensures consistent imaging quality with adjustable radiation, improving analysis accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one radiation system constructed and arranged to irradiate the sample in a vial

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an analyser provided with a camera constructed and arranged to analyse the radiation received from the sample in the vial

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the camera comprises a telecentric lens and a detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP2352989B1Sample analysis apparatus and a method of analysing a sample
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 TECHNOBIS
  • EP2352989B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a sample analysis apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a radiation system to irradiate the sample in a vial and an analyser with a camera to analyse the radiation received from the sample in the vial. The apparatus is provided with a holder to releasable hold the vial and with an optical path for the radiation system to irradiate the sample and for the camera to make images of the sample. The radiation system can be used for front lighting of the sample in the vial or for back lighting of the sample in the vial. The camera may be provided with a telecentric lens.