Sample Handler Optical Adapter for Flexible Sensor Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample handling in liquid chromatography is complex and often inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A sample handler equipped with a stationary optical sensor and a movable stage with an optical adapter that adjusts the viewing direction and spatial range of the sensor, allowing for precise and flexible sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a stationary optical sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stationary optical sensor with a movable stage that carries optical adapters (mirrors). This combination allows the sensor itself to remain fixed while the optical path is dynamically adjusted through the movable mirrors, achieving multiple viewing angles without requiring multiple sensors or a movable sensor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical adapters (mirrors) mounted on the movable stage serve as intermediaries between the stationary sensor and the sample. By moving these intermediary mirrors, the sensor can indirectly observe different spatial ranges and angles without the sensor itself moving, thus maintaining simplicity while improving measurement capability.
2Device complexity
If the optical sensor view is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to adjust viewing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the optical path by mounting optical adapters (mirrors) on a movable stage. While the sensor remains stationary, the movable mirrors can be positioned at different angles and locations, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its viewing direction and spatial range without complicating the sensor mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable stage with optical adapters serves multiple functions: it holds the optical adapters, provides adjustable positioning for different viewing angles, and enables the single stationary sensor to perform multiple detection tasks across different spatial ranges, effectively making the system multi-functional without requiring multiple sensors.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sample handling is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to inaccuracy in injection and fractionation
Solution Approach 1:
The enhanced optical detection system provides improved feedback on sample positioning and container identification. The ability to precisely detect sample container positions, orientations, and codes through adjustable viewing angles enables more accurate control of injection and fractionation processes, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated detection.
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
Enables simple and accurate sample handling by broadening the data basis for controlling injection and fractionation processes, enhancing operational safety, and facilitating predictive maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a stationary optical sensor... configured for obtaining data from a sample container... by broadening a data basis for controlling an injection and a fractionation
Implementation Method 2
an optical adapter arranged or arrangeable at the movable stage and configured for being moved by the movable stage to thereby adapt a view of the stationary optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sample handler for handling a sample container includes a stationary optical sensor, a movable stage movable with respect to the stationary optical sensor, and an optical adapter arrangeable at the movable stage and configured for being moved by the movable stage to thereby adapt a view of the stationary optical sensor.