Infrared Spectrophotometer Window Member Bayonet Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operation of detaching and reattaching the window member in infrared spectrophotometers is cumbersome due to the use of a screw mechanism, which can lead to damage and requires a dedicated tool, and storing the window member in a low-humidity environment is difficult without specialized equipment.

Innovation Solution

A lid member is used to cover and engage with the window member, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without tools, and the lid member can be rotated to create airtight and low-humidity storage conditions within the infrared spectrophotometer, preventing deterioration of the window member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screw mechanism is used to attach the window member, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires a dedicated tool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidattachment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw mechanism with a bayonet-type quick-release coupling mechanism. This mechanical substitution allows the window member to be attached and detached by simple rotational movement without requiring screws, wrenches, or dedicated tools, thereby maintaining secure attachment while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the window member is detached for storage in a low-humidity environment, then deliquescence is prevented, but the operation becomes cumbersome and the risk of damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of deliquescenceVSAvoidstorage operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a desiccant chamber within the device housing that contains a moisture-absorbing agent. The window member can be stored in place within the device, nested within the protected environment created by the desiccant system, eliminating the need for external low-humidity storage while preventing deliquescence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a protected environment around the window member using a desiccant system that maintains low humidity conditions within the device housing. This inert-like environment (low-humidity atmosphere) prevents deliquescence while allowing the window member to remain in place, avoiding the cumbersome detachment and reattachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If the window member is firmly attached to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but detachment requires a dedicated tool and becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex screw mechanism with a simple bayonet-style coupling that achieves secure attachment through rotational engagement of protrusions and grooves. This simpler mechanical system maintains attachment security while eliminating the need for dedicated tools and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration simplifies the storage and handling of the window member, eliminates the need for dedicated tools, and prevents damage by allowing for secure attachment and detachment, while maintaining the window member in a low-humidity environment to prevent deliquescence.

Implementation Method 1

providing a substantially airtight space around the window member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirtight sealing:

Implementation Method 2

accommodating a moisture absorbent in the space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

transmits the interference light generated in the interferometer chamber to the sample chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared light transmission: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3492890B1Infrared spectrophotometer and method of storing window member

Publication Date: 2020.12.30 SHIMADZU CORP

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AI summary

A housing has a partition wall constituting a wall surface of a sample chamber, and an interferometer chamber accommodating an optical component is formed on an opposite side to the sample chamber with respect to the partition wall . A window member is attachable to and detachable from an opening formed in the partition wall, and transmits light between the sample chamber and the interferometer chamber. The lid member is attachable to and detachable from the window member, and internally has a moisture absorbent accommodating space for accommodating a moisture absorbent. The lid member engages with the window member attached to the opening from a side of the sample chamber, so that the side of the sample chamber of the window member is covered with the lid member, and the moisture absorbent accommodating space is set in a substantially airtight state.