Handheld Spectrometer Accessories for Liquid Sample Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrometers are too large and costly for consumer markets, offering suboptimal resolution, sensitivity, and accuracy, with calibration and measurement issues due to size constraints and interference from ambient light, making them unsuitable for portable applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact handheld spectrometer system with improved optical resolution and reduced size, incorporating optical fiber bundles, light pipes, and a protective sheath for enhanced calibration and measurement accuracy, integrated with consumer devices like smartphones for practical end-user spectroscopic measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior spectrometers are designed for high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device size becomes larger than ideal for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the measurement chamber inside the spectrometer housing, and further nesting the sample positioning structures within the measurement chamber. This nested arrangement allows the optical components and measurement functions to be compactly integrated, achieving high resolution spectroscopy in a portable form factor that fits within a handheld device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear optical paths to a three-dimensional integrated optical system. The measurement chamber is positioned in three-dimensional space within the spectrometer housing, with optical components arranged in multiple dimensions to achieve compact folding of the optical path. This dimensional reorganization enables high resolution spectroscopy without proportionally increasing device volume.
2Volume of moving object
If prior spectrometers are miniaturized to reduce size, then portability is improved, but resolution, sensitivity and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes critical parameters including the optical path length within the compact measurement chamber, the focal length of lenses, and the positioning distance between the sample and detector. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high spectral resolution and sensitivity despite the reduced overall device size. The measurement chamber is designed with precise dimensional parameters to maximize optical performance in a compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary calibration and alignment features directly into the compact spectrometer design. The optical components are pre-aligned during manufacturing, and the measurement chamber is pre-configured with optimal geometric parameters. This preliminary preparation ensures that despite the miniaturized size, the system maintains high measurement precision without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If traditional spectrometers are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but interference from ambient light and background noise affects accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the measurement process from ambient light interference by creating a dedicated sealed measurement chamber. This chamber is optically isolated from the external environment, with controlled light entry points only for the intended measurement beam. By separating the measurement space from the ambient environment, the system eliminates background light interference that would otherwise degrade measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate optical elements including filters and shutters positioned between the sample and detector. These intermediary components selectively transmit only the desired measurement wavelengths while blocking ambient light. The measurement chamber itself acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the external environment and the sensitive detection system, protecting against harmful ambient light interference.
4Ease of operation
If prior spectrometers are designed for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical alignment and sample positioning functions into an integrated measurement chamber assembly. The optical components, sample holder, and alignment features are combined into a single pre-assembled unit that maintains fixed relative positions. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment procedures and reduces device complexity while preserving portability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the measurement chamber with self-aligning features that automatically maintain correct optical geometry. Mechanical constraints and precision-machined mounting surfaces ensure that components automatically assume their correct positions when assembled. This self-service alignment approach eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining portability.
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 compact spectrometer system provides high accuracy and sensitivity, minimizes interference from ambient light, and is cost-effective, enabling practical and convenient spectroscopic measurements in various applications, including medical and industrial uses.
Implementation Method 1
an accessory, said accessory comprising a plurality of optical fibers, said optical fibers are configured to guide light from the illumination unit to the body lumen and back from the body lumen to the spectrometer unit
Implementation Method 2
an accessory, said accessory comprising one or more light pipes, said light pipes are configured to guide light from the illumination unit to the body lumen and back from the body lumen to the spectrometer unit
Implementation Method 3
Spectrometers detect radiation from a sample and process the resulting signal to obtain and present information about the sample that includes spectral, physical and chemical information about the sample
Implementation Method 4
a first-stage optic, such as a lens, to focus or concentrate the radiation onto an imaging array
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld spectrometer apparatus may comprise an accessory coupled to a spectrometer, where the accessory is configured to receive a liquid sample pipette to facilitate measurement, using the spectrometer, of a liquid sample within the pipette. A handheld spectrometer apparatus to measure a body lumen of a subject can include an illumination unit, a spectrometer unit, a housing containing the illumination unit and the spectrometer unit and an accessory comprising a plurality of optical fibers. The optical fibers can be configured to guide light from the illumination unit to the body lumen and back from the body lumen to the spectrometer unit.