Small Volume Cell Bubble Trap for Optical Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small fluid cells for investigating samples with electromagnetic radiation face challenges in minimizing the impact of bubbles formed during fluid entry, particularly due to the design of fluid entry ports which allow bubbles to rise through the fluid, affecting the accuracy of measurements.
Innovation Solution
A small internal volume cell with laterally separated fluid entry and exit ports and an input/output aperture for electromagnetic radiation, featuring a mirror for reflection and at least one bubble trap region in the fluid exit pathway to accumulate bubbles, allowing for effective bubble management and improved measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid entry ports are positioned at the lower extent of the cell, then fluid can enter the cell easily, but bubbles rise through the entered fluid and interfere with measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful bubbles are extracted from the measurement path by introducing separate bubble trap regions that collect and hold bubbles away from the electromagnetic radiation path, eliminating their interference with measurements
Solution Approach 2:
Bubble trap regions serve as intermediary zones between the fluid entry ports and the measurement area, capturing bubbles before they can rise through the fluid and interfere with electromagnetic radiation measurements
2Quantity of substance
If the cell internal volume is reduced to minimize fluid usage, then less fluid is required, but bubble effects become more significant relative to the sample volume
Solution Approach 1:
The cell interior is segmented into distinct functional regions: a measurement region for electromagnetic radiation interaction and separate bubble trap regions for bubble accumulation, allowing small total volume while isolating bubble effects from the measurement path
Solution Approach 2:
Bubbles are extracted from the measurement volume and concentrated in dedicated trap regions, allowing the use of small fluid volumes without compromising measurement accuracy since bubbles do not occupy or interfere with the measurement space
3Reliability
If laterally separated fluid entry and exit ports are used at the upper extent, then fluid flow path is extended, but cell volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow path and bubble trap regions are merged into a compact integrated structure where the exit pathway naturally leads to bubble accumulation zones, achieving effective bubble management without extending the overall cell volume
Solution Approach 2:
Bubble trap regions are positioned in vertical or lateral dimensions separate from the primary measurement path, allowing extended fluid flow functionality without increasing the footprint or measurement volume of the 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 solution effectively reduces bubble interference, enabling precise investigation of fluid samples with electromagnetic radiation by ensuring bubbles are trapped, thus enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing errors associated with bubble presence.
Implementation Method 1
A mirror present inside the presently disclosed small internal volume cell serves to reflect a beam of electromagnetic radiation entered at said input/output port, after it interacts with said sample substrate, back out of said input/output port
Implementation Method 2
at least one bubble accumulating trap region in a fluid exit pathway to said exit port, which bubble trap(s) serve to accumulate bubbles produced during the entry and exit of fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A small internal volume cell having fluid entry, and exit ports wherein at least one bubble trap is present in a fluid pathway which is continuous with the fluid exit port. There further being present an input/output aperture, for entering and exiting electromagnetic radiation, positioned to allow causing an input beam of electromagnetic radiation to impinge on a sample substrate at a location thereon at which, during use, fluid contacts; and a mirror for directing electromagnetic radiation which reflects from said sample substrate, toward and out of said input/output aperture; as well as methodology of its use.