Spectrometer Probe Window Cleaning with Piston-Driven Lamellas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for spectrometer probe windows are inefficient and require disassembly or specialized systems, limiting their effectiveness and efficiency in removing build-up, especially when air introduction is prohibited.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical cleaning system using a cleaning device with protruding extensions, such as lamellas, is inserted between the emitter and detector within a flow cell, driven by a piston actuator, allowing for efficient cleaning without disassembly, combined with optional compressed air cleaning to enhance effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-mechanical cleaning (ultrasonic or compressed air) is used, then cleaning can be performed without disassembly, but cleaning effectiveness is insufficient for removing build-up
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into a blade component and multiple protruding cleaning extensions (lamellas, brushes, or bristles) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the device to navigate through the flow cell while maintaining multiple contact points with the window surfaces, enabling effective mechanical cleaning without disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning extensions act as intermediaries between the cleaning device body and the window surfaces. These extensions make direct contact with the emitter and detector windows, transferring mechanical cleaning action to the contaminated surfaces while protecting the main device structure from direct contact with chemicals or harsh cleaning conditions.
2Reliability
If mechanical cleaning is performed using traditional methods, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but system disassembly or specialized cleaning systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed with multiple cleaning extensions that can adapt to clean both the emitter window and detector window within the flow cell. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform comprehensive cleaning of all window surfaces without requiring separate cleaning tools or system disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning extensions are integrated within the blade structure, with protruding elements nested along the blade length. This nested configuration allows the cleaning device to be compact enough to pass through the flow cell aperture while still providing extended cleaning surfaces that can reach all window areas.
3Ease of operation
If compressed air is used for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed without disassembly, but air introduction is prohibited in some systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces pneumatic cleaning mechanisms (compressed air) with a purely mechanical cleaning system consisting of a blade with protruding extensions. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for air introduction, making the cleaning method compatible with systems where air injection is prohibited while still achieving effective window cleaning.
4Measurement precision
If cleaning is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is maintained, but cleaning time and operational interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device enables continuous cleaning action by allowing the blade with extensions to sweep across the window surfaces in a single continuous motion. The protruding extensions maintain constant contact with the windows during movement, ensuring thorough cleaning without requiring multiple passes or repeated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is designed to be performed quickly by moving the blade with extensions through the flow cell aperture and across the window surfaces in a rapid sweeping motion. This 'rushing through' approach minimizes the time the system is out of service while still achieving complete cleaning coverage.
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 system provides enhanced cleaning quality and efficiency, reducing cleaning time to minutes compared to traditional methods, while maintaining system integrity and avoiding damage to optical components.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning instrument actuator including a piston imparting linear motion to the cleaning instrument during a cleaning operation
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical cleaning device includes a blade having protruding cleaning extensions, such as lamellas, brushes, bristles, etc., moved in contact with the spectrometer probe windows between the emitters and detectors
Implementation Method 3
scrubbing the emitter and detector using a cleaning instrument to remove any deposits or build up on the devices
Implementation Method 4
injecting compressed air into the flow cell displacing liquid from the chamber and at least a portion of any solid particles, deposits, build-up, etc. in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system can be used for cleaning the emitting and receiving units in a measurement section of a spectrometer probe. The cleaning system includes a cleaning instrument including a blade, cleaning lamellas extend outward from the blade, a cleaning instrument actuator including a piston imparting linear motion to the cleaning instrument during a cleaning operation and an attachment adapter configured to attach the cleaning instrument actuator to the spectrometer probe at a flow cell window aperture. The adapter includes an adapter body to receive and allow through passage of the cleaning instrument when it is attached to cleaning instrument actuator and to position the cleaning instrument relative to a measurement section between emitting and receiving units of the spectrometer probe.