Assay Instrument with Movable Path Compensator for Multi-Protocol Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological or chemical analysis systems are limited in their ability to perform multiple assay protocols simultaneously, requiring separate equipment and configurations for different types of samples and protocols, which hinders efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with selectively moveable optical components, including an objective lens and path compensators, that can be adjusted or reconfigured between imaging sessions to accommodate different samples and protocols, allowing for the detection of optical signals from various samples using a single system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate equipment and configurations are used for different assay protocols, then each protocol can be performed with dedicated optimization, but the system complexity and number of devices required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single assay instrument capable of performing multiple assay protocols (e.g., sequencing-by-synthesis, microarray scanning, bead-based assays) by providing a unified platform with reconfigurable optical components. The system uses a common housing, sample stage, and detector assembly that can be adjusted to accommodate different sample types and detection requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable optical components including movable objective lenses, adjustable path compensators, and reconfigurable optical paths. These components can be moved or reconfigured between imaging sessions to optimize the optical system for different assay protocols and sample types, allowing the system to adapt its configuration rather than requiring static dedicated setups for each protocol.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single system is used for multiple assay protocols, then device versatility improves, but the ability to optimize each protocol may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system includes movable objective lenses and adjustable path compensators that can be repositioned between imaging sessions to optimize focal distance and optical path for each specific assay protocol. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the single system to achieve protocol-specific optimization while maintaining versatility across multiple assay types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of optical parameters including focal distance, optical path length, and objective lens position to match the specific requirements of different assay protocols. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system maintains detection precision equivalent to dedicated equipment while supporting multiple protocol types.
3Stability of the object's composition
If optical components are fixed in position, then system stability is maintained, but the ability to switch between different sample types and protocols is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable optical components including objective lenses and path compensators that can be repositioned between imaging sessions. These components maintain stable optical alignment during each imaging session but can be dynamically adjusted when switching between different sample types and protocols, combining stability during operation with flexibility for reconfiguration.
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
Enables the simultaneous performance of multiple assay protocols on different types of samples, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of biological or chemical analysis by adjusting optical paths and configurations to suit various sample types and protocols.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system that includes an objective lens having a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom
Implementation Method 2
The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system configured to detect optical signals during imaging sessions. The optical system includes an objective lens that has a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom. The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions when in the imaging position. Also, the optical system includes a transfer device that is configured to move the path compensator. The transfer device locates the path compensator at the imaging position for a first imaging session and removes the path compensator from the imaging position for a second imaging session.