Scattered Light Sample Measurement Device for Stable Concentration Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample measurement devices face challenges in accurately measuring absorbance or concentration due to variations in light source intensity, particularly with simple configurations like LEDs, which lead to instability and a narrowed dynamic range.

Innovation Solution

A sample measurement device that captures images of scattered light from a sample solution using a camera, calculating absorbance or concentration based on the degree of attenuation at a constant optical path length, allowing for measurement across multiple optical path lengths without a complex configuration, thereby stabilizing concentration measurements despite light source variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple configuration such as LED and camera is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to large light amount variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidconcentration measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from measuring light transmission in a single direction (parallel to optical path) to measuring scattered light intensity in a perpendicular dimension. By capturing images from the side (second direction intersecting the first direction), the system measures light scattered at multiple optical path lengths simultaneously, making the measurement independent of light source intensity variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct transmitted light intensity to scattered light intensity distribution. By measuring how light scatters at different positions (different optical path lengths) and calculating attenuation based on this distribution, the system achieves measurement that is insensitive to overall light source intensity variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If LED light source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to temperature-dependent light amount variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source system complexityVSAvoidlight amount stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of light source intensity variation into a beneficial measurement approach. Instead of trying to stabilize the light source, it measures scattered light intensity distribution, which maintains consistent attenuation characteristics even when total light amount varies. The variation in light amount affects all positions equally, so the relative attenuation measurement remains accurate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If transmitted light measurement is used, then measurement principle is simple, but dynamic range is narrowed due to light source variation impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidmeasurable concentration range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the measurement into multiple optical path length positions by capturing scattered light distribution across the sample container. Instead of a single transmitted light measurement, the system divides the optical path into multiple segments (different positions in the second direction), each providing attenuation information that is independent of light source intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 accurate concentration measurement and a high dynamic range even when the light source intensity is unstable, as the device captures scattered light at multiple positions, reducing the impact of light source variations on measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

capturing an image of the sample solution based on light scattered by the sample solution from a second direction intersecting the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

calculates a degree of attenuation of a light amount of the image at a constant optical path length along the first direction based on the image, and calculates the absorbance or concentration of the sample solution according to the degree of attenuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11867628B2Sample measurement device and sample measurement method

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 HITACHI LTD

AI summary

A sample measurement device includes: a sample container that stores a sample solution; a light source that irradiates the sample container with irradiation light from a first direction; an imaging part that captures an image of the sample solution based on light scattered by the sample solution from a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a calculator that calculates an absorbance or a concentration of the sample solution based on the image. The calculator calculates a degree of attenuation of a light amount of the image at a constant optical path length along the first direction based on the image, and calculates the absorbance or concentration of the sample solution according to the degree of attenuation.