Segmented Light Guide for Multi-Cell Fluid Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid sensing devices are large, complex, and expensive, limiting their accessibility and efficiency for multiple measurements on fluid samples.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluid testing device with multiple testing cells and a shared light guide, utilizing microfluidic channels, pumps, and photosensors, along with fluid tagging and detection systems, to enable efficient and accurate analysis of fluid samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensing devices are used for multiple measurements, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated testing device with multiple testing cells (30A, 30B) that share common components including the light guide (40), fluid handling system, and control electronics. This merging approach enables multiple measurements on a single fluid sample while reducing overall device complexity and cost compared to using separate sensing devices for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements multi-functionality by enabling different testing cells to perform various sensing measurements on the same fluid sample. The system can conduct multiple types of analyses (e.g., different analyte detections, different measurement modes) within a single integrated platform, making the device universally applicable for diverse measurement needs without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Device complexity
If a single light guide is shared among multiple testing cells, then device complexity is reduced, but light distribution uniformity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is segmented to provide dedicated light paths to each testing cell while maintaining a unified structure. Each testing cell receives light through its own designated portion of the light guide, ensuring uniform light distribution across multiple cells. This segmentation approach reduces device complexity by using a single light guide rather than multiple separate light sources, while maintaining manufacturing precision through proper optical path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide design incorporates local quality variations to optimize light delivery to each specific testing cell. Different sections of the light guide may have tailored optical properties or geometries to ensure appropriate light intensity and distribution characteristics for each measurement location, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while using a shared light guide structure.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple testing cells are integrated in a compact device, then device size is reduced, but fluid handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid handling system is merged into a compact integrated design where multiple testing cells share common fluid delivery channels, pumps, and control mechanisms. The fluid sample flows through a unified path that distributes to multiple testing cells, reducing overall device size while managing fluid handling complexity through centralized control and shared infrastructure rather than separate independent systems for each cell.
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
The device allows for enhanced accuracy and reduced complexity and cost by enabling multiple measurements on a single fluid sample, facilitating compact design and efficient fluid handling and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide 40 to receive light from a light source and to transmit light to the microfluidic channel
Implementation Method 2
a photosensor to detect light passing through the fluid in the microfluidic channel
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example, testing cells extend along a length of a slot. Each testing cell includes a microfluidic channel extending from the slot, a pump to move fluid from the slot into the channel, a discharge nozzle through which fluid exits the channel, a fluid discharger to discharge fluid from the channel through the nozzle and a photosensor. A light guide is provided to receive light from an external light source and is to serially transmit the light to the microfluidic channel of each of the plurality of testing cells.