V-Block Refractometer Motor Inversion for Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional V-block refractometers face challenges in downsizing, measurement accuracy due to increased load on the motor, and limitations in guiding measurement light, particularly when trying to increase the wavelength range and arrange components efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The refractometer design includes a collimator lens and a telemeter lens with a rotatable collimator lens holding member, allowing for adjustable incident angles of measurement light on the V-block prism, reducing the need for a detector near the motor and simplifying the optical system for a more compact structure, while using a double stage mirror structure to guide measurement light effectively from multiple light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detector and auto collimation prism are disposed between the motor and the circular disc, then the refractive index measurement can be performed, but the distance between the motor and the circular disc has to be increased, making the device difficult to downsize and increasing the load on the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the motor on the circular disc rather than having the circular disc rotate around a fixed motor. This inversion allows the detector and auto collimation prism to be positioned on the stationary side, eliminating the need for increased distance and reducing motor load while maintaining measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by mounting the motor vertically on the circular disc. This dimensional change allows compact positioning of components without increasing the horizontal distance between the motor and optical elements, enabling downsizing while maintaining measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional detectors are provided to increase the wavelength range, then the measurement capability is improved, but the weight increases, further deteriorating the measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional detector assembly that can detect multiple wavelengths through optical filters or a spectrally responsive detector. This single detector performs the work of multiple detectors, expanding the wavelength measurement range without increasing the weight of moving components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the detector by using adjustable optical filters or tuning the detector's spectral response. This allows the same physical detector to measure different wavelengths by changing its detection parameters rather than adding multiple detectors, thereby maintaining low weight while achieving wavelength versatility
3Measurement precision
If the conventional optical system configuration is used, then the measurement function is achieved, but the device size cannot be reduced and the motor load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor mounting with the circular disc structure, integrating the motor directly onto the disc rather than requiring a separate mounting frame. This consolidation eliminates redundant structural components, reducing the overall device weight and size while maintaining the optical measurement function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the motor is mounted on the circular disc, which itself rotates within the device housing. This nesting of components allows the optical path and detection elements to be positioned efficiently in three-dimensional space, reducing the overall device footprint and weight while preserving measurement precision
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 enhances measurement accuracy by reducing motor load and weight, allowing for a more compact design and improved light guidance, preventing deterioration in measurement accuracy and enabling precise refractive index determination.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator lens that converts measurement light into parallel light and allows the measurement light to be incident on the V-block prism
Implementation Method 2
a telemeter lens that converges the measurement light passing through the V-block prism
Implementation Method 3
a V-block refractometer that measures a refractive index of a sample by irradiating the sample with measurement light through a V-block prism
Implementation Method 4
a first light-source-side mirror that receives the measurement light from the light source according to a rotation position and reflects the measurement light incident from the light source along the rotation shaft due to a rotation about the rotation shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A V-block refractometer capable of enhancing measurement accuracy is provided. An incident angle of measurement light incident on a V-block prism 1 from a collimator lens 48 is changed through the rotation of a motor 7, and the measurement light from the V-block prism 1 at each incident angle is detected by a detector 2. This configuration eliminates the need to provide the detector 2 near the motor 7 as in the conventional art, whereby deterioration in measurement accuracy caused by an increase in load to the motor 7 can be prevented, and the measurement accuracy can be enhanced.