Chemiluminescence Detector Aperture Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemiluminescence detection systems face challenges in maintaining low light levels and flexibility when analyzing multiple discrete microarrays, as they require large, light-restricted environments that limit the ability to add further analytes and compromise image quality due to light ingress through ports.
Innovation Solution
A chemiluminescence detector with an image capture device inside a container featuring an array of apertures with controllable light restriction, using shutters and textured perimeter surfaces to minimize light ingress while allowing selective light entry, enabling high-quality chemiluminescence detection from multiple sources without the need for a fully enclosed light-restricted environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large container is used to analyze multiple discrete microarrays, then the ability to conduct multianalyte analysis is improved, but maintaining low light levels becomes difficult and the device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall is segmented into multiple discrete apertures, each aperture being independently controllable by its own closure device. This segmentation allows selective light restriction for each aperture, enabling the system to maintain low light levels in the container while accommodating multiple microarrays for analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure devices are made movable between open and closed positions, allowing dynamic control of light passage through each aperture. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt light levels as needed during different stages of the analysis process while maintaining the ability to conduct multianalyte analysis.
2Measurement precision
If a sealed container is used to maintain low light levels, then chemiluminescence detection quality is improved, but flexibility to add further analytes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The closure devices are designed to be movable between closed and open positions, transforming the container from a static sealed structure to a dynamic system. When closed, the container maintains low light levels for high-quality chemiluminescence detection; when opened, it allows flexible addition of further analytes without compromising the ability to maintain light restrictions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Light restriction is applied locally at each aperture through individual closure devices rather than requiring the entire container to be permanently sealed. This localized control allows specific areas to be opened for adding analytes while other areas maintain light restrictions for detection quality.
3Ease of operation
If ports are provided in the container for accessing microarrays, then ease of operation is improved, but light ingress increases reducing detection quality
Solution Approach 1:
Closure devices act as intermediary elements between the container interior and exterior at each aperture. These intermediaries can be opened to allow easy access to microarrays when needed, and closed to prevent light ingress when chemiluminescence detection is required, thus mediating between operational ease and detection quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The apertures are transformed from static openings to dynamically controllable ports through the addition of movable closure devices. This allows the system to switch between states of accessibility (for ease of operation) and light restriction (for detection quality) as required by the analysis process.
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 configuration enhances image quality, reduces misdiagnosis rates, and allows for flexible and efficient multianalyte analysis by maintaining low light levels and enabling user access for maintenance, while using less material and simpler manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
analytes or specimens are reacted with one or more other substances that cause chemiluminescence in particular circumstances
Implementation Method 2
use highly sensitive cameras to detect chemiluminescence
Implementation Method 3
textured perimeter surfaces to minimize light ingress
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a chemiluminescence detector, which comprises an image capture device sensitive to chemiluminescence located within a container. The container has an array of apertures located in a field of view of the image capture device, and each aperture is defined by a through-bore in a wall of the container. The exterior of the container is engagable with a plurality of sample holders, each sample holder being in alignment with a respective aperture when engaged with the exterior of the container. The passage of light into the container through each aperture is restrictable by a closure device, passage of light into the container through the apertures is thereby controllable.