Integrated Rotor for Autonomous Analytical Centrifugation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) systems require external modules for data collection and measurement functions, which limits their portability, efficiency, and data quality, especially when analyzing high molecular weight biological species.
Innovation Solution
An integrated rotor device with self-contained modules for light source, sample, and detector, allowing for autonomous analytical centrifugation, where the light source, sample, and detector move together during sedimentation, enhancing data acquisition speed and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external modules are used for data collection and measurement functions in conventional AUC systems, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and data quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light source, sample chamber, and detector into a single unified rotor assembly, eliminating the need for separate external modules. This merging of previously separate components into one integrated unit directly improves measurement precision while the modular design maintains operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated rotor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the sample, provides the rotating centrifugal force, houses the light source, and incorporates the detector. This multi-functional design achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If external modules are used for data collection, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and data acquisition speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the light source, sample, and detector into a single rotating assembly, the system eliminates transmission delays and synchronization issues between separate modules. This enables real-time data acquisition during rotation, significantly improving productivity and data acquisition speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated rotor allows continuous data collection throughout the centrifugation process without interruption for module repositioning or synchronization. The light source and detector remain continuously aligned with the sample during rotation, enabling uninterrupted measurement and improving overall productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external modules are used for measurement functions, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated rotor is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to interface with various centrifuge models including benchtop systems. The standardized mounting interface and modular construction enable the same rotor design to be used across different centrifuge platforms, enhancing adaptability without requiring complex custom configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is divided into separable functional modules (light source assembly, sample chamber, detector) that can be independently configured or replaced. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different centrifuge types and applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall assembly 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
The integrated rotor device provides high-resolution, precise sedimentation profile data, is portable, cost-effective, and versatile, capable of using various centrifuges, including benchtop models, for analyzing high molecular weight biological species.
Implementation Method 1
a source of electromagnetic radiation at a first position, the source of electromagnetic radiation configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at one or more wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a detector at a second position, the detector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation that traverses at least a portion of the sample region
Implementation Method 3
the rotor being constructed and arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 4
analytical centrifugation or ultracentrifugation systems and methods for detecting in fluid samples the degree of sedimentation
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotor system comprises a rotor constructed and arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation. A source of electromagnetic radiation is positioned at a first position of the rotor, the source of electromagnetic radiation configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at one or more wavelengths. The rotor system further includes a sample region. A detector is positioned at a second position of the rotor, the detector constructed and arranged to receive electromagnetic radiation that traverses at least a portion of the sample region.