Dispensing Apparatus Foreign Matter Detection via Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting foreign matter in microplate wells are inadequate as they do not effectively determine the presence of foreign substances in empty wells, which can affect subsequent sample analysis or testing.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus equipped with a light emitter and receiver, integrated into a foreign matter detecting unit, emits a laser beam to detect the presence of foreign matter by measuring the distance based on phase differences, allowing for efficient detection without the need for image capture or high-performance analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image capture method is used to detect foreign matter, then detection capability is provided, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical image capture system with a simpler light emission and reception system. Instead of using a CCD camera to capture images and process image information, the invention uses a light emitter to send light into the well and a light receiver to detect light scattering patterns, thereby detecting foreign matter through optical physics rather than mechanical imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential detection function from the complex image capture system. By focusing solely on detecting light scattering caused by foreign matter rather than capturing complete images, the system achieves foreign matter detection capability while eliminating unnecessary components like the CCD camera and image processing unit.
2Reliability
If image capture method is used to detect foreign matter, then detection capability is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive light emitters and receivers instead of expensive CCD cameras and image processing systems. These simple optical components are significantly cheaper to manufacture and integrate, reducing the overall manufacturing cost while maintaining effective foreign matter detection capability through light scattering detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes expensive mechanical imaging equipment with simple optical components. By using basic light emission and reception mechanisms rather than complex image capture and processing systems, the manufacturing cost is substantially reduced while the essential detection function is preserved.
3Device complexity
If light emission and reception method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from image intensity distribution to light scattering characteristics. By measuring how light scatters when encountering foreign matter in the well, the system achieves accurate detection through physical optical properties rather than complex image analysis, maintaining precision while simplifying the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex image processing with direct optical measurement of light scattering. This substitution maintains detection precision by relying on fundamental optical interactions between light and foreign matter, avoiding the need for sophisticated image capture and analysis systems.
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
Enables rapid and cost-effective detection of foreign matter in microplate wells, ensuring accurate sample analysis by identifying and removing large foreign particles that may interfere with tests, while maintaining low manufacturing costs and simplifying the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter that emits light to the well; a light receiver that receives light emitted by the light emitter and returned from the well
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing apparatus that dispenses a sample into a well of a microplate, including a light emitter that emits light to the well, a light receiver that receives light emitted by the light emitter and returned from the well; and a control unit that determines whether foreign matter is present in the well based on information on the light received by the light receiver.