Adjustable Light Angle Selector for Clinical Assay Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems in clinical diagnostics face interference issues due to scattering substances, particularly lipids in lipaemic samples, which affect both scattering and absorbance assays, leading to measurement errors and reduced sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with an adjustable light angle selector that allows only small diverging light to reach the detector during scattering assays and maximally diverging light during absorbance assays, minimizing scattering interference while maintaining sensitivity in scattering assays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical system is optimized for scattering assays with high sensitivity to scattering, then scattering assay sensitivity is improved, but scattering interferences affect absorbance assay accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic light angle selector that adjusts the acceptance angle of the optical system based on the assay type. For scattering assays, the selector is configured to accept only light within a narrow angle range (e.g., ±2 degrees) to maximize scattering sensitivity. For absorbance assays, the selector is adjusted to accept a broader angle range to minimize scattering interference. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the same optical system to optimize its parameters for different measurement requirements.
2Device complexity
If the optical system uses a fixed acceptance angle for light detection, then the system complexity is reduced, but the system cannot simultaneously optimize for both scattering and absorbance assays
Solution Approach 1:
The light angle selector is designed as a dynamic component that can be adjusted between different acceptance angle configurations. This allows the optical system to adapt to different assay types without requiring completely separate optical paths or detectors. The dynamic adjustment mechanism adds minimal complexity while enabling versatile operation across both scattering and absorbance assays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical system that can perform both scattering and absorbance assays by using a single optical path with an adjustable light angle selector. Instead of requiring separate optical systems for different assay types, the design integrates multiple functions into one system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Measurement precision
If separate optical systems are used for scattering and absorbance assays, then each assay type can be optimized independently, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths for scattering and absorbance assays into a single unified system. By combining the optical components and using a shared light source and detector system with an adjustable angle selector, the design eliminates the need for separate optical systems. This merging approach maintains the ability to optimize for both assay types while significantly reducing cost and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified optical system is designed to serve multiple purposes - it can perform both scattering and absorbance measurements by adjusting the light angle selector. This multi-functional design eliminates redundancy and reduces the overall number of components needed, thereby lowering costs and reducing the space required for instrument placement.
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 approach reduces the influence of scattering interferences on absorbance assays without compromising sensitivity in scattering assays, allowing the same optical system to perform both types of assays, resulting in cost savings, space savings, and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
In the case of absorbance, extinction is caused by the selective absorbance of light by a particular substance typically at selected wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
In the case of scattering, extinction is caused by the light being deviated in all directions by particles or drops in the carrier liquid
Implementation Method 3
scattering substances may interfere with absorbance assays
Implementation Method 4
sensitivity to scattering can be maintained when a scattering assay is being performed while sensitivity to scattering can be removed or diminished when an absorbance assay is being performed
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical system (100) for performing scattering and absorbance assays in clinical diagnostics. The optical system (100) comprises a light source (60) for emitting collimated light (50) parallel to an optical axis (51) in an optical path (51'), a sample holding unit (21) comprising at least one sample holding position (22) being located in the optical path (51') and an optical detector (70) for measuring light transmitted through a sample (10) being located in a sample holding position. The optical system further comprises an adjustable light angle selector (55), wherein said light angle selector (55) is being adjusted to let small divergence of a collimated light to be detected when a scattering assay is being performed and wherein said light angle selector (55) is being adjusted to allow stronger diverging light to reach the detector (70) when an absorbance assay is being performed.