Microplate Reader Interface for Accessory Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microplate readers are inflexible and complex to adapt for various applications, requiring additional sensors and equipment for specific functions, which increases complexity and cost, and necessitates calibration and qualification checks.
Innovation Solution
A microplate reader with a movable receiving apparatus and an interface device that allows for energy and data connections, as well as media supply, enabling the integration of accessory apparatuses for additional functions, such as sensors, temperature control, and illumination, which can be retrofitted or used in conjunction with the basic reader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors and equipment are integrated into the microplate reader for specific application functions, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface device with standardized energy, data, and media connections that can accommodate various accessory apparatuses. This allows the microplate reader to perform multiple functions through interchangeable accessories rather than integrating all functions permanently, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into a core microplate reader unit and separate accessory apparatuses. The interface device provides standardized connection points that allow accessories to be added or removed based on specific application needs, enabling functional segmentation that improves versatility without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors and equipment are integrated into the microplate reader for specific application functions, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a universal interface with standardized connections for energy, data, and media supply, the system allows a single core unit to support multiple functions through interchangeable accessories. This reduces the need to manufacture multiple specialized devices, thereby controlling production costs while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-function design to a dynamic, configurable architecture where accessories can be added or removed based on application requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to be manufactured as a cost-effective core unit with optional add-on capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are provided for calibration and qualification, then the measurement accuracy and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Calibration and qualification sensors are extracted as separate accessory apparatuses that connect to the microplate reader through the standardized interface. This allows calibration functionality to be added when needed without permanently increasing the complexity of the core measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device provides universal support for various types of sensors including calibration and qualification sensors. This standardized approach allows measurement precision to be improved through optional sensor additions rather than requiring a complex integrated sensor array.
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 configuration allows for flexible and cost-effective integration of additional functions, enabling application-specific adaptations and user-developed features, simplifying calibration and qualification, and supporting complex measurements and reactions within the microplate reader.
Implementation Method 1
detects optical radiation passing through or emanating from the samples contained in the individual wells on account of absorption, luminescence or fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
detects optical radiation passing through or emanating from the samples contained in the individual wells on account of absorption, luminescence or fluorescence
Implementation Method 3
detects optical radiation passing through or emanating from the samples contained in the individual wells on account of absorption, luminescence or fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A microplate reader having a receiving apparatus for receiving a microplate having predefined dimensions and a multiplicity of wells, and an optical detector for detecting an optical radiation at respective individual ones of the wells of a microplate that in the receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus is arranged to be movable in at least one spatial direction by a positioning mechanism to position the received microplate relative to the optical detector for successive measurements at different wells. The movable receiving apparatus has an interface device configured to provide an energy and/or data connection and/or a media supply connection and/or media disposal from the microplate reader to an accessory apparatus for additional functions. The interface device enables additional hardware provided as an accessory apparatus, which can be inserted into the receiving apparatus jointly with or instead of a microplate or some other sample container, to be supplied with energy and communication.