Chemiluminescence Detector Enclosure with Moveable Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemiluminescence detection systems face challenges in maintaining low light levels and flexibility due to the large size of equipment required for multianalyte analysis, which limits the ability to detect chemiluminescence effectively and restricts light ingress, especially when analyzing multiple microarrays simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A chemiluminescence detector sample enclosure with a moveable interface member and sample holders, featuring a light-restricting seal that allows for temporary engagement and movement between subsets, reducing the need for a large light-restricted region and simplifying the presentation of sample holders to detectors, thereby minimizing the required volume for chemiluminescence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large container is used to accommodate multiple microarrays and analysis components, then multianalyte analysis capability is improved, but light level control becomes more difficult and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample analysis process into discrete modules: multiple sample holders are segmented and can be individually presented to the detector. The detector itself is segmented into a light-restricted detection region and an interface region, allowing light control to be applied only where needed rather than throughout the entire system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-restricting function is extracted from the entire container and concentrated into a localized light-restricted region at the detector interface. This extraction allows the bulk of the system to remain open and accessible while maintaining light control only in the critical detection zone, solving both the versatility and light control problems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire container is sealed to restrict light ingress, then light level control is improved, but flexibility to add further analytes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented and applied only at the interface between the light-restricted region and the sample holders, rather than sealing the entire container. This allows the system to maintain light control where needed while remaining open and flexible elsewhere for adding or removing analytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holders are designed to be dynamically interchangeable at the interface with the detector. The interface member can engage with different sample holders as needed, allowing the system to adapt and add further analytes during the analysis process while maintaining light control during actual detection.
3Productivity
If multiple cameras are used to image all microarrays simultaneously, then analysis throughput is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple static cameras simultaneously, the system employs a single detector that dynamically interfaces with multiple sample holders through a moveable interface member. This dynamic approach allows one detector to service multiple samples sequentially or in subsets, achieving throughput without the complexity of multiple cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
A single detector is designed to be universal and capable of interfacing with multiple different sample holders through the moveable interface member. This multi-functional detector replaces the need for multiple specialized cameras, reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to analyze multiple analytes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable interface member is used to present sample holders to the detector, then flexibility is improved, but the sealing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into separate sealing elements on the interface member and sample holder that mate together locally at the interface. This segmented sealing approach is simpler than a comprehensive seal and can be implemented on moveable components without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements are designed to provide light restriction only at the specific local interface between the detector and sample holder, rather than requiring complex sealing throughout the entire moveable mechanism. This localized sealing maintains simplicity while enabling flexibility.
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 solution enables efficient chemiluminescence detection with reduced systematic errors and increased flexibility, allowing for more compact equipment design and improved analysis capabilities by minimizing the space needed for light level control, while maintaining high sensitivity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the first sealing element and the respective second sealing element are adapted to interact so as to form a light restricting seal between the first interface member and said sample holder
Implementation Method 2
analytes or specimens are reacted with one or more other substances that cause chemiluminescence in particular circumstances
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a chemiluminescence detector sample enclosure. The enclosure comprises a first interface member forming part of a chemiluminescence detector and having a first sealing element and a second interface member comprising a plurality of sample holders, each sample holder having a second sealing element. The first interface member is engagable with and moveable between sample holder subsets of the plurality of sample holders, engagement with a respective sample holder subset providing engagement of the first interface member with each sample holder of the respective sample holder subset and relative movement of the first and second interface members providing movement between sample holder subsets; and when the first interface member is engaged with each respective sample holder, the first sealing element and the respective second sealing element are adapted to interact so as to form a light restricting seal between the first interface member and said sample holder.