Luminometer Rotary Plate Light Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current luminometer apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a light-shielded environment and cleanliness, leading to contamination and reduced sensitivity in detecting microbial cells due to background noise and external interference, which increases measurement time and economic burdens on manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A luminometer apparatus with a light-shielded room, a rotary plate, and a dispensation mechanism that allows for minimal opening of the insertion opening, reducing contamination and background noise by automating processes within a closed environment, enabling high-sensitivity luminescence measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the luminometer apparatus is opened frequently for sample loading and reagent replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the light shielding performance deteriorates causing background noise
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus pre-loads all required reagents into storage containers before the measurement sequence begins. The dispensation mechanism is pre-programmed with the measurement protocol, so that upon closing the light-shielded room, all dispensing operations occur automatically without requiring further openings. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to open the room during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated dispensing mechanisms that automatically transfer reagents from storage containers to reaction containers based on pre-programmed protocols. The rotary plate automatically positions containers, and the dispensation mechanism automatically delivers precise volumes, all without human intervention after the initial loading, thereby maintaining light shielding while completing operations.
2Productivity
If the luminometer apparatus is opened frequently for maintenance and sample replacement, then the productivity is improved, but the cleanliness and contamination control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables continuous automated operation through a sequence where samples and reagents are loaded once, then the light-shielded room remains closed throughout the entire measurement process. The rotary plate continuously rotates to position containers, and the dispensation mechanism continuously performs transfers, maintaining both productivity and contamination control through uninterrupted automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-shielded room acts as an intermediary barrier that physically separates the clean measurement environment from the external environment. By keeping this barrier closed during measurements, the system prevents contamination while the automated mechanisms inside perform all necessary operations, eliminating the need for workers to enter the clean space during measurements.
3Ease of operation
If the luminometer apparatus is downsized for installation in safety cabinets, then the ease of operation and cleanliness are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges multiple functions into integrated components: the rotary plate serves both as a container holder and a positioning mechanism, while also enabling sequential access for the photodetection unit. The dispensation mechanism combines storage containers, transfer tubing, and dispensing nozzles into a single integrated system. This functional integration reduces the overall footprint while maintaining all necessary capabilities for automated operation within safety cabinets.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs nested arrangements where storage containers are positioned within or adjacent to the light-shielded room, and the rotary plate with reaction containers is nested within the same space. The photodetection unit is positioned to access containers through openings in the light-shielded room without requiring the entire apparatus to be large. This nested layout maximizes space utilization and enables compact installation in safety cabinets.
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 apparatus achieves excellent light shielding and cleanliness, reducing contamination and enhancing sensitivity in detecting microbial cells, thereby improving measurement efficiency and reducing economic burdens.
Implementation Method 1
measures luminescence generated by reacting ATP extracted from within microbes living in a sample with a luminescent reagent by a photodetection unit
Data Source
AI summary
A luminometer apparatus includes, inside a light-shielded room, a container rack loaded with holding containers, a dispensation mechanism that dispenses a liquid, a rotary plate that turns, while holding a plurality of reaction containers which accommodate a mixture liquid of a sample and a luminescent reagent on a concentric annular plate, and is provided with a gap allowing the container rack to pass therethrough between at least a pair of adjacent ones of the reaction containers, and a photodetection unit that performs luminescence measurements. The light-shielded room has an insertion opening having a width allowing for insertion of the container rack and provided to be openable and closable. The rotary plate is provided with a region in which the container rack can be installed inside a region of passage of the reaction containers, when turning, and is provided to be turnable where the light-shielded room is in a closed state.