Sealed Fluorometer Calibration Cell for Automated Solution Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorometer calibration methods require significant amounts of calibration solution, are prone to contamination, and suffer from solution degradation, leading to inaccurate measurements due to handling and storage issues, as well as inconsistencies in commercial calibration solutions.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained calibration system featuring a sealed calibration cell with known fluorescence solutions housed in a manifold that can be easily attached to a fluorometer, allowing for minimal solution usage and automated calibration processes, including cleaning, to ensure accurate and consistent measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of calibration solutions is used, then calibration can be performed, but contamination and spilling risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration automatically without manual intervention. The automated calibration device draws calibration solution, performs the calibration sequence, and returns the solution to storage without requiring operator handling, thereby eliminating contamination and spilling risks associated with manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
An automated calibration device acts as an intermediary between the calibration solution bottles and the fluorometer. This intermediary system manages all fluid handling operations through automated mechanisms, isolating the operator from direct contact with calibration solutions and eliminating manual handling risks
2Ease of operation
If calibration solution is stored in open containers, then access is easy, but solution degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration solution is stored in sealed bottles with integrated caps that maintain closure. The system design allows automated access to the solution through controlled opening and closing mechanisms, maintaining solution stability through sealed storage while enabling automated retrieval when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration solution is kept in a protected, sealed environment within the bottles throughout storage and handling. The automated system maintains this protective barrier until the moment of calibration, preventing exposure to air and environmental factors that would cause degradation
3Reliability
If large volumes of calibration solution are used for flushing, then complete flushing is achieved, but solution consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual syringe-based injection with an automated fluid delivery mechanism. This automated system precisely controls the volume and flow of calibration solution, delivering exactly the amount needed for complete flushing and calibration without the excess consumption associated with manual techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The automated calibration device optimizes the calibration process by adjusting fluid flow parameters, pressure, and timing to achieve complete channel flushing with minimal solution volume. The system dynamically controls these parameters to ensure reliability while minimizing consumption
4Reliability
If automated calibration is implemented, then handling risks are minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated calibration device is designed to perform multiple functions: drawing calibration solution from bottles, injecting it into the fluorometer channels, performing the calibration sequence, and returning the solution to storage. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the system achieves automation benefits without proportionally increasing overall complexity
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 reduces calibration solution costs, minimizes handling risks, maintains solution stability for extended periods, and provides consistent calibration results by containing the calibration solution within a sealed environment, enabling efficient and accurate fluorometer calibration.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence detection is a highly sensitive analytical technique for the detection of fluorescing material at low concentration
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for calibration of a fluorometer using a calibration cell comprising a sealed container housing one or more calibration solutions of known fluorescence. The inventive calibration device includes a sealed calibration cell housed in a storage chamber that may be permanently or temporarily affixed to the top of a fluorometer such that the calibration solution can be moved by manual or automated means directly from the storage chamber to the fluorometer cell for a calibration operation. All of the solution needed for any given calibration can be contained exclusively, in small quantity, inside the calibration cell.