Biological Analysis System Interchangeable Sample Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological analysis systems lack flexibility to handle both low and high throughput sample analyses efficiently while providing real-time monitoring and temperature control, and they often require manual intervention for sample handling and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A biological analysis system with an interchangeable assembly for various sample holders, a temperature control system, and an optical system for detecting fluorescent signals, which includes a single field lens, an excitation source, and an optical sensor, along with a processor for real-time data processing and display, allowing for automated cycling of samples through temperatures and flexible sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated biological analysis systems are designed for high throughput sample processing, then productivity increases, but the system loses flexibility to handle low throughput samples efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic sample holder configurations where the same physical platform can be dynamically reconfigured to accommodate different sample array densities (96-well, 384-well, or custom arrays). The interchangeable assembly design allows rapid swapping of sample holders with different well configurations, enabling the system to adapt between low and high throughput modes without requiring separate dedicated systems for each throughput level.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system is designed with universal compatibility across multiple sample holder types. A single optical system with configurable excitation sources and detectors can process samples from 96-well plates, 384-well plates, and custom arrays, making the system multi-functional for both low and high throughput applications. The control system provides unified software interface and processing algorithms that work across all sample configurations.
2Device complexity
If manual intervention is used for sample handling and positioning, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and analysis efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated sample holder positioning and alignment mechanisms that self-adjust without manual intervention. The interchangeable assembly includes built-in alignment features and sensors that automatically detect sample holder placement and adjust optical paths accordingly. The control system provides automated sample tracking and data association, eliminating the need for manual sample mapping and positioning records.
3Measurement precision
If real-time fluorescence monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system merges multiple functions into a single integrated detection platform. The same optical path and detector system used for fluorescence measurement also serves for sample positioning verification and quality control imaging. The excitation source and detection system are integrated into a unified module that can be rapidly configured for different fluorescence assays, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining real-time monitoring capability.
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 enables efficient and flexible handling of both low and high throughput samples, providing real-time fluorescence monitoring and reducing manual errors, while maintaining precise temperature control and sample positioning, thus enhancing analysis efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The excitation source can be one or more light emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
an optical system configured to detect fluorescent signals emitted from the plurality of samples
Implementation Method 3
a control system configured to cycle the plurality of samples through a series of temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A biological analysis system is provided. The system comprises an interchangeable assembly configured to accommodate any one of a plurality of sample holders, each respective sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples. The system also includes a control system configured to cycle the plurality of samples through a series of temperatures. The system further includes an optical system configured to detect fluorescent signals emitted from the plurality of samples. The optical system, in particular, can comprise a single field lens, an excitation source, an optical sensor, and a plurality of filter components. The excitation source can be one or more light emitting diodes. The field lends can be a bi-convex lens.