Cartridge Mounted State Detection Using Optical Signal Deviation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analysis devices struggle to accurately determine the mounted state of cartridges, leading to inaccurate inspection results, and additional sensors increase product costs.
Innovation Solution
An analysis device with a mounting unit, a measuring unit that uses a sub-wavelength light source to scan and detect optical signals from multiple wells, and an operation processor that calculates signal deviations to determine the mounted state, allowing for accurate cartridge positioning without additional cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to improve accuracy of detecting the mounted state of the cartridge, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and product cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing measuring unit, originally designed for measuring reactant signals, is made multi-functional by enabling it to also detect mounted state through optical signal detection. The same light source and photodetector are used for both reactant measurement and cartridge positioning detection, eliminating the need for separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of detecting cartridge mounted state with the existing measuring unit for reactant analysis. By combining these functions into a single integrated system, the patent avoids adding separate sensors while maintaining accurate detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to improve accuracy of detecting the mounted state of the cartridge, then measurement precision is improved, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing measuring unit, originally designed for measuring reactant signals, is made multi-functional by enabling it to also detect mounted state through optical signal detection. The same light source and photodetector are used for both reactant measurement and cartridge positioning detection, eliminating the need for separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring unit serves itself by using its existing optical components (light source and photodetector) to perform the additional function of detecting cartridge mounted state, without requiring external or additional sensing components.
3Device complexity
If existing measuring unit is used to detect mounted state, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a specific wavelength range (600-800nm) for mounted state detection that is distinct from the wavelength used for reactant measurement. This wavelength differentiation ensures that the optical signals for positioning detection do not interfere with reactant analysis, maintaining precision despite using the same hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (wavelength) to enable the existing measuring unit to distinguish between mounted state detection and reactant measurement. By operating at different wavelengths or signal characteristics, the system achieves accurate mounted state detection without additional sensors.
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 solution enables accurate detection of the mounted state of cartridges using existing measuring units, improving inspection accuracy without increasing product costs.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector configured to detect an optical signal from the light irradiated to the at least one well formed on the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an analysis device and a method of determining a mounted state of a cartridge mounted in the analysis device. The analysis device includes: a mounting unit configured to mount a cartridge on which at least one well for containing a specimen is formed; a measuring unit configured to measure at least one signal corresponding to the at least one well formed on the cartridge; and an operation processor configured to process the at least one measured signal with respect to the at least one well measured by the measuring unit, wherein the operation processor determines a mounted state of the cartridge based on the at least one measured signal with respect to the at least one well formed on the cartridge.