Variable Path Length Sample Container for Slope Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining analyte concentration in biological samples, such as spectroscopic analysis, are cumbersome, expensive, and limited in practical use, especially for solid materials like wood, due to complex setups and difficulties in calibration and path length adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a sample container with multiple irradiation paths of different lengths, allowing for sequential irradiation and detection of electromagnetic radiation, generating a regression line to determine analyte concentration by moving the sample container relative to the radiation source and detector, simplifying the setup and enabling measurements on a wider range of materials, including solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable probe is used to adjust path length for slope spectroscopy, then path length adjustment is possible, but the setup becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container is designed with a variable geometric shape that allows dynamic adjustment of the irradiation path length through deformation or reconfiguration of the container structure itself, eliminating the need for external moveable probes while maintaining path length adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The sample container serves multiple functions: it holds the sample material and simultaneously acts as the path length adjustment mechanism through its variable geometry, combining what were previously separate functions into a single integrated component
2Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable probe is inserted into the sample material, then variable path length measurement is possible, but the method becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system extracts the path length variation capability from the external moveable probe and integrates it into the sample container structure, eliminating the need for probe insertion and simplifying the operational procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The sample container itself provides the path length adjustment function through its variable geometry, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional adjustment mechanisms or complex probe operations
3Device complexity
If standard cuvettes with fixed path length are used, then the setup is simple, but the method is limited for highly concentrated samples
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container's geometric parameters are made variable to change the irradiation path length according to the sample concentration, allowing the system to adapt to different concentration ranges while maintaining a simple fixed-setup architecture
4Measurement precision
If slope spectroscopy with moveable probe is used, then concentration determination is possible, but calibration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The variable geometry sample container is pre-configured with known geometric relationships that define the irradiation path lengths, allowing for simplified preliminary calibration procedures compared to systems requiring dynamic probe positioning and measurement
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 approach provides a faster, more cost-efficient, and reliable method for determining analyte concentration, allowing for measurements on solid materials like wood and other biological samples, with simplified calibration and the ability to handle highly concentrated samples, while minimizing sample preparation and equipment complexity.
Implementation Method 1
sequentially irradiating the sample with electromagnetic radiation emitted by an irradiation source arranged at one side of the sample container through said at least two paths; detecting the amount of radiation transmitted through said sample using a detector arranged on an opposite side of said sample container
Implementation Method 2
The absorption is the amount of energy absorbed by the sample. In a simple spectrophotometer the studied sample material is placed in a container, also known as a cuvette or sample cell. Electromagnetic radiation (light) of a known wavelength, λ, (i.e. ultraviolet, infrared, visible, etc.) and intensity I0 is incident on one side of the cuvette. A detector, which measures the intensity of the transmitted light, I is placed on the opposite side of the cuvette.
Implementation Method 3
during said steps of sequential irradiation, the sample container is moved in relation to the irradiation source and detector, whereby the electromagnetic radiation passes through at least said two paths of different lengths
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining the concentration of a specific analyte in a sample of biological material are disclosed. The sample is placed in a sample container (10) which provides at least two radiation paths (14) with different lengths through the sample container (10), and is sequentially irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, e.g. X-rays. The amount of radiation penetrating the sample is detected, and absorbance is determined based on the detected radiation. During irradiation, the sample container (10) is moved in relation to the radiation source (1) and detector (5) so that absorbance measurements at different path-lengths are acquired. A regression line from the absorbance values and path lengths is determined, such that a slope of the regression line is obtained, and based on this slope, the concentration of the specific analyte is determined.