Centrifugal Sedimentation Cell Cover Layout for Faster Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The attachment of a cover to a rotary disk in centrifugal sedimentation-type particle diameter distribution measurement devices is complicated due to the need for aligning light passage apertures, which increases the complexity of cell exchange work.
Innovation Solution
The rotation passage region of the cover is positioned inside the optical path between the light source and photodetector, eliminating the need for alignment of passage apertures, and the cover is attached concentrically to the cell holding body using a screw mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light passage aperture is formed in the cover to allow light transmission, then light can pass from the light source to the photodetector, but the alignment of the aperture becomes complicated during cell exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The light passage aperture is extracted from the cover and relocated to the cell body. This allows the cover to be a simple protective component without alignment requirements, while the cell body incorporates the aperture in a fixed position that automatically aligns with the optical path during cell exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell body acts as an intermediary component that bridges the cover and the optical path. By placing the aperture in the cell body rather than the cover, the system mediates between the need for light transmission and the need for easy alignment during cell exchange.
2Reliability
If the cover is attached to the rotary disk with aligned passage apertures, then light transmission is ensured, but the attachment work becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The light passage aperture is pre-positioned in the cell body at a location that ensures automatic alignment with the optical path when the cell is installed. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for alignment adjustments during the cell exchange process, reducing attachment time while maintaining reliable light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell body's aperture position is designed to self-align with the optical path during installation. The geometry of the cell and its mounting position on the rotary disk work together to automatically ensure proper alignment without requiring manual adjustment or complex alignment procedures.
3Loss of energy
If the cover completely covers the measurement cell, then windage loss is reduced, but light transmission to the photodetector is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with local transparency or openings at the position corresponding to the light passage aperture in the cell body. This allows the cover to provide complete coverage for reducing windage loss while maintaining light transmission through the localized transparent region or aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmission function is moved from the cover to the cell body in a different spatial location. This dimensional repositioning allows the cover to maintain full coverage for windage reduction while the cell body's aperture handles light transmission in a different position within the optical path.
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
Facilitates the attachment of the cover to the cell holding body during cell exchange, reducing the complexity and time required for alignment, and minimizing windage loss and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation section that rotates the cell holding body and applies centrifugal force to the measurement cell
Implementation Method 2
particles in the measurement sample are sedimentated in the dispersion medium
Implementation Method 3
a light source that is provided on one side of a rotation passage region of the measurement cell and irradiates the cell with light; a photodetector that is provided on another side of the rotation passage region of the measurement cell and detects light transmitted through the cell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention facilitates work of attaching a cover to a cell holding body when exchanging cells or the like. The present invention includes: a cell holding body (31) that holds a measurement cell (2) housing a measurement sample and a dispersion medium; a cover (33) attached to the cell holding body (31) so as to cover the measurement cell (2); a rotation section (32) that rotates the cell holding body (31) and applies centrifugal force to the measurement cell (2); a light source (41) that is provided on one side of a rotation passage region of the measurement cell (2) and irradiates the cell (2) with light; a photodetector (51) that is provided on another side of the rotation passage region of the measurement cell (2) and detects light transmitted through the cell (2); and a particle diameter distribution arithmetic section (11) that acquires a light intensity signal from the photodetector (51) and calculates a particle diameter distribution. The rotation passage region of the cover (33) is located inside an optical path of light passing between the light source (41) and the photodetector (51).