Simultaneous Refractive Index and Turbidity Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring refractive index and turbidity of liquid samples separately require larger active areas and do not utilize the combination of these measurements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for simultaneously measuring refractive index and turbidity using a coherent light source and an optical structure that transmits and receives coherent light signals, allowing for a smaller active area and integration into smaller spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate measurement methods are used for refractive index and turbidity, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device size and active area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines refractive index measurement and turbidity measurement into a single integrated system that uses one light source and one detector. The system measures both parameters simultaneously by analyzing the reflected and scattered light signals from the liquid sample, thereby reducing the active area requirement while maintaining measurement accuracy for both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure both refractive index and turbidity using the same hardware components. The detector analyzes different characteristics of the light signals (reflected light for refractive index, scattered light for turbidity) to provide both measurements, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate measurement devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate measurement methods are used for refractive index and turbidity, then measurement capability is maintained, but system integration and space utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate measurement systems into one integrated platform. The refractive index measurement and turbidity measurement share common components including the light source, optical path, and detector, thereby simplifying system integration and reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to measure both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed as a universal measurement device that can simultaneously perform refractive index and turbidity measurements. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to adapt to different measurement needs and reduces the complexity of having separate dedicated devices for each parameter.
3Measurement precision
If traditional refractometry scheme is used, then refractive index measurement is achieved, but active area must be larger for liquid contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines refractive index measurement with turbidity measurement in a way that allows the use of a smaller active area. By measuring both parameters simultaneously through analysis of reflected and scattered light, the system can maintain measurement precision while reducing the liquid contact area required, as the combined measurement approach provides additional data from the same 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
Enables the simultaneous estimation of dissolved and undissolved solids in liquid samples, facilitating the measurement of their ratio, which can be used for diagnostics such as proteinuria or for optimizing bioreactor processes.
Implementation Method 1
a coherent light source configured to generate a coherent light signal
Implementation Method 2
the optical structure is configured to transmit the coherent light signal to the liquid sample
Implementation Method 3
the measurement of the refractive index may be understood as a measurement of the Fresnel reflection, especially at the surface of the liquid sample
Implementation Method 4
the measurement of turbidity may be understood as the measurement of scattered light directed from the liquid sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system for simultaneously measuring refractive index and turbidity of a liquid sample is provided. The system comprises a coherent light source configured to generate a coherent light signal, an optical structure being in contact with the liquid sample, the optical structure is configured to transmit the coherent light signal to the liquid sample and further to receive a light signal from the liquid sample in response to the coherent light signal, and a detector configured to receive the light signal and further to measure refractive index and turbidity of the liquid sample simultaneously from the light signal.