Assay Platform Tooth Elements for Motorized Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems for biomolecules in the chemical and biotechnology industries are cumbersome and costly, often requiring high-quality motors and positional sensors for synchronized detection, which limits sensitivity and is not well-suited for high-speed or low-cost applications.
Innovation Solution
A system employing a microfluidic assay platform with tooth elements and a motorized impinging element that allows precise alignment of detection regions with a detection unit, enabling multiple stops for measurement, reducing the need for expensive stepper motors and positional sensors by using a brushed DC motor and solenoid motors, and increasing signal integration time for improved sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synchronized detection with high-speed motor and positional sensors is used, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex positional sensors and high-precision motor control systems from the measurement platform. Instead, it uses a simple motor to rotate the platform and employs optical alignment features (alignment marks visible through the transparent platform) to manually or visually align the sample with the detection unit, thereby achieving precise alignment without complex feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical alignment marks printed on the transparent platform as visual copies or references for proper alignment. These marks serve as simplified substitutes for complex positional encoding systems, allowing the user to visually confirm alignment between the sample and detection unit without requiring sophisticated sensors or motors
2Measurement precision
If synchronized detection with high-quality motor and feedback mechanisms is used, then alignment precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive components including a simple motor without feedback mechanisms, a transparent platform with printed alignment marks, and basic optical detection. This disposable-like approach using low-cost parts achieves sufficient alignment precision without the need for expensive, high-precision motors and sensors typically required in reusable, high-end systems
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent platform with alignment marks serves itself by providing visual feedback for alignment without requiring external sensors or complex control systems. The alignment marks on the platform automatically guide the positioning, eliminating the need for expensive feedback mechanisms while maintaining alignment precision
3Measurement precision
If the platform is stopped for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent rotates the platform periodically to bring different sample positions into alignment with the detection unit at regular intervals. This periodic rotation allows measurements to be taken at multiple discrete positions without requiring continuous complex synchronization, maintaining measurement precision while enabling efficient sequential sampling of multiple locations
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 achieves precise and cost-effective alignment of sample components with detection units, enhancing sensitivity and reducing operational costs by using a non-stepper motor setup and centrifugal force for sample separation, thereby improving the efficiency of biomolecule detection and quantification.
Implementation Method 1
Moving the assay platform may apply a centrifugal force to a sample placed within one or more of the multiple detection regions
Implementation Method 2
quantification of biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids from patient samples is an important area of research and commercial development. Quantification of biomolecules and other types of samples is typically performed by optical measurements including fluorescence, luminescence, or relative light absorption
Implementation Method 3
quantification of biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids from patient samples is an important area of research and commercial development. Quantification of biomolecules and other types of samples is typically performed by optical measurements including fluorescence, luminescence, or relative light absorption
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are described including assay platforms having tooth elements. An impinging element may sequentially engage tooth elements on the assay platform to sequentially align corresponding detection regions with a detection unit. In this manner, multiple measurements may be made of detection regions on the assay platform without necessarily requiring the starting and stopping of a motor.