Single-Use Flow Cell Assembly for Contamination-Free Optical Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cells for fluid monitoring are limited to specific types of analysis, require costly and labor-intensive cleaning and replacement, and pose contamination risks during manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A single-use flow cell with a one-piece central body and optical housing, assembled via snap-fit or interference fit, allowing universal adaptability and minimizing microbial contamination while providing accurate, repeatable results without mechanical fasteners or adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flow cells are used for process monitoring, then measurement reliability is maintained, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases due to specific design requirements for different analysis types
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of optical analyses (transmission, reflection, fluorescence) through a single device configuration. The standardized interface and modular component design enable the same flow cell to perform various analytical functions without requiring redesign for each specific application.
2Reliability
If flow cells are cleaned and sterilized between uses, then contamination is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases due to labor-intensive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is designed as a single-use disposable component that is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for cleaning, sterilization, and validation procedures. This approach maintains contamination control by ensuring each flow cell is sterile from manufacturing while dramatically improving productivity by removing time-consuming cleaning and sterilization steps between uses.
3Strength
If mechanical fasteners and adhesives are used in flow cell assembly, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing precision decreases due to assembly errors
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell components are designed to be integrally formed as a single piece, combining the body, optical windows, and sealing surfaces into one molded structure. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical fasteners and adhesives, thereby maintaining structural strength while achieving high manufacturing precision through injection molding processes that produce consistent, error-free assemblies.
4Measurement precision
If flow cells are designed for specific analysis types, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell incorporates optical interfaces and flow path configurations that support multiple analysis modalities including transmission spectroscopy, reflection measurements, and fluorescence detection. The standardized optical windows and flow channel design maintain measurement precision for each specific analysis type while enabling the same device to perform various analytical functions.
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 cost-effective, reliable, and contamination-free monitoring of fluid properties in various processes, reducing assembly errors and eliminating cleaning costs.
Implementation Method 1
Optical absorption analyzers are commonly used to monitor fluid flowing or circulating in the process stream through a flow cell. At least some of such analyzers, transmit a beam of light energy through the fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
A single use flow cell for use in-line monitoring includes a one-piece central body that is integrally formed with an optical housing, and with an optical retainer. The central body includes an inlet, an outlet, and a central bore extending therethrough from the inlet to the outlet. The optical housing includes a first end, a second end, and a interface bore that extending from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. The optical retainer is slidably coupled in one of an interference fit and a snap-fit within the central body such that at least a portion of the optical retainer is securely coupled within at least one opening formed within the optical housing.