Disposable Sensor Head with Open Flow Chamber for Transflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable sensor heads are unable to perform transflection measurements, particularly NIR spectroscopy, due to their design which prevents volume flow through the through-channel, limiting their application in monitoring fluid parameters in flexible containers.
Innovation Solution
The through-channel is modified to form an open flow chamber with a viewing disk and a reflector disk, allowing light to interact with the fluid and enabling transflection measurements by creating an interaction section within the chamber, and the sensor head is designed for reversible coupling with an optoelectronic module using beam-optic elements for stable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the through-channel is sealed by a viewing disk to prevent volume flow, then optical measurements can be performed, but transflection measurements cannot be carried out
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor head is divided into two functional sections: a sealed measurement section with the viewing disk for optical contact, and an open flow chamber section for fluid circulation. This segmentation allows the through-channel to serve dual purposes - enabling both standard optical measurements and transflection measurements by creating distinct functional zones within the same component
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the through-channel into a three-dimensional flow chamber volume rather than maintaining it as a simple linear passage. By creating a chamber with height, width, and depth dimensions, the design enables fluid to circulate through the measurement path while maintaining optical access, thus enabling transflection measurements that require volumetric fluid interaction
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor head is designed for disposable use with simple structure, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but optical coupling stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling element is introduced as an intermediary component between the disposable sensor head and the reusable optoelectronic module. This mediator enables precise optical alignment and stable coupling while allowing the sensor head itself to remain simple and disposable, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and optical coupling stability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor head is designed as a disposable component with simplified construction for cost-effective manufacturing, while the expensive optoelectronic module remains reusable. The coupling mechanism allows the disposable head to achieve adequate optical stability for its intended lifespan without requiring the same level of precision as a permanent installation
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 design allows for effective transflection measurements, including NIR spectroscopy, by ensuring good fluid flow through the chamber and stable optical coupling, making the sensor head suitable for monitoring the contents of flexible containers.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent viewing disk oriented transversely with respect to its longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
an open flow chamber of the sensor head, which chamber is positioned inside the container and is bounded in the direction of the container exterior by the viewing disk and in the direction of the container interior by a reflector disk arranged opposite the viewing disk
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable sensor head for an optical sensor has a central body (12) with an axial through-channel (20) closed by a transparent viewing disk (14) oriented transversely with respect to its longitudinal direction, and a circumferential fastening flange (22), by which the central body is fastenable in a sealing fashion on a wall of a flexible container (62) so that the through-channel (20) passes through the wall. The through-channel (20) forms in one section an open flow chamber (34) that is bounded on one side by the viewing disk (14) and on the other side by a reflector disk (16) arranged opposite the viewing disk (14).