Microplate Well Identification Depth Matching for Simultaneous Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microplates require additional time and resources to accurately image both reaction results and identification information, necessitating expensive imaging devices due to the need for variable focus and separate imaging of condensation patterns and identification markers.

Innovation Solution

A microplate design featuring a center-position determining marker and well-identification information indicators on the second surface, positioned to match the depth of the wells, allowing for simultaneous imaging of reaction results and identification information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If identification information is provided near the opening plane of each well, then well identification can be achieved, but the identification information cannot be focused when imaging the condensation pattern at the bottom of the well

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The identification information is moved from the horizontal plane (opening plane) to the vertical dimension (boundary portion depth), positioning it at the same depth level as the condensation pattern to enable simultaneous in-focus imaging of both elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a zoom lens or height positioning means is employed to make focus position variable, then both condensation pattern and identification information can be imaged in focus, but the device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging focus precisionVSAvoidimaging device cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microplate structure itself provides the focusing solution by positioning identification information at the appropriate depth through its boundary portion thickness design, eliminating the need for external focusing mechanisms in the imaging device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If identification information is provided on the opening plane, then well identification is possible, but separate imaging of identification information is required increasing work and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification data availabilityVSAvoiddata acquisition efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging of condensation pattern and identification information is merged into a single operation by positioning both elements at the same depth level, allowing simultaneous capture in one image without requiring separate imaging steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2023149B1microplate
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 BECKMAN COULTER INC
  • EP2023149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2023149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2023149B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A microplate with which time and work required to accurately obtain data necessary for analysis of a specimen can be little and cost required for the analysis can be low is provided. A surface (first surface) that passes through an opening plane of wells, a surface (second surface) that is directed to an opposite side to this surface, and a well-identification information indicator that is arranged on the surface included in a boundary portion of wells next to each other, and that indicates well identification information to identify each of the wells are included. The width of the boundary portion between the wells next to each other is substantially equivalent to the depth of the wells.