Movable Filter Carrier for Multi-Analyte Optical Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting analytes in sample fluids, such as in PCR reactions, are limited by the need for multiple labels and complex instrumentation, which increases costs and complexity, particularly in distinguishing between different analytes using optical detection.
Innovation Solution
An automated instrument and method utilizing a filter carrier with movable pairs of filter portions to selectively excite and detect light from multiple luminescence labels, allowing for the precise optical detection of analytes by rotating or translating the filter carrier to bring different pairs of filter portions into operative condition, enabling the use of shared filter portions and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and detectors are used to detect multiple luminescence labels, then the detection capability for multiple analytes is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter portions into a single filter carrier that can be rotated to position different filters in the optical path. Instead of having separate detection systems for each luminescence label, the system uses one light source and one detector with a multi-position filter carrier that sequentially filters light for different labels, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-analyte detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The filter carrier serves multiple functions: it holds multiple filter portions, rotates to position different filters, and enables a single detector to detect multiple different luminescence labels by sequential filtering. This universal component replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized detection systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and detectors are used to detect multiple luminescence labels, then the detection capability for multiple analytes is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple filter portions into a single manufacturable component (the filter carrier). This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and calibrated, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining the capability to detect multiple analytes through sequential filtering
3Productivity
If multiple pairs of filter portions are simultaneously positioned in the excitation and emission beam paths, then the detection of multiple analytes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter carrier is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic repositioning of different filter portions into the optical path as needed. This dynamic configuration enables the system to detect multiple analytes sequentially by rotating to different filter positions, rather than requiring all filters to be simultaneously positioned, thereby reducing structural complexity
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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective detection of multiple analytes by minimizing the need for multiple light sources and detectors, allowing for precise measurement of analyte presence and concentration in real-time PCR and other nucleic acid amplification methods, while reducing instrument complexity and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the instrument comprises at least one light source, capable of generating light for exciting two or more luminescence labels different with respect to each other
Implementation Method 2
measuring the emission of light of two or more luminescence labels for the detection of one or more analytes
Implementation Method 3
automated detection of analytes comprises measuring the emission of light of two or more luminescence labels
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an instrument and methods for detecting an analyte, comprising a light source capable of generating excitation light for exciting a plurality of luminescence labels, an excitation beam path extending between said light source and said analyte, a detector capable of detecting light emitted from said luminescence label, an emission beam path extending between said analyte and said detector, a filter carrier carrying two or more pairs of filter portions, each pair being related to one luminescence label and comprising a first filter portion for transmitting excitation light and a second filter portion for transmitting emitted light, wherein said first filter portion of one pair is said second filter portion of another pair, and wherein said filter portions are arranged in a manner that a respective one of said pairs can be brought in an operative condition in which said first filter portion is in said excitation beam path and said second filter portion is in said emission beam path, and wherein said filter carrier and said beam paths are movable with respect to each other by at least one moving mechanism so as to bring a respective one of said pairs in said operative condition.