Multiwell Plate Illumination Module With Universal Light Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices for multiwell plates require individual adaptation to each type of multiwell plate due to non-standardized 'well bottom elevation', leading to limited flexibility, increased costs, and inconsistent illumination quality.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module with a housing, positioning unit, and light channels that maintain a consistent distance to the multiwell plate's underside, accommodating different types and brands regardless of well bottom elevation, ensuring uniform illumination and preventing cross-illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting devices are adapted to each type of multiwell plate to ensure optimal illumination, then illumination quality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is designed with a universal light distribution unit that can accommodate multiple types of multiwell plates (6-well, 24-well, 96-well, 384-well) through a single standardized interface. The light channels are arranged in a grid pattern that can be selectively activated for different plate formats, eliminating the need for multiple specialized lighting devices while maintaining optimal illumination quality for each plate type.
2Illumination intensity
If lighting devices are adapted to each type of multiwell plate to ensure optimal illumination, then illumination quality is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device uses a standardized light distribution unit with a fixed grid of light channels that can serve multiple plate formats. This universal design allows for economies of scale in manufacturing, as the same core components can be produced in larger volumes for different applications, reducing per-unit costs compared to producing separate specialized devices for each plate type.
Solution Approach 2:
The light distribution unit is divided into modular sections with individual light channels that can be independently activated or deactivated. This segmentation allows a single device to handle multiple plate formats by selectively enabling the appropriate subset of light channels, reducing the need for custom manufacturing while maintaining optimal illumination for each configuration.
3Measurement precision
If individual illumination of each well is implemented, then precision and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light distribution unit consists of numerous individual light channels arranged in a grid pattern, each capable of independent light emission. This segmentation allows precise control over which wells are illuminated, enabling targeted illumination of specific wells while keeping others dark. The modular structure simplifies control logic compared to complex optical systems, as each channel can be independently activated through simple electronic control.
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
Enables versatile use of multiwell plates from various manufacturers with consistent illumination quality, reducing development costs and enhancing reproducibility by eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific adaptations.
Implementation Method 1
light channels (16) that create separate light connections from the lighting unit (5) to a support surface (151)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An illumination module for a multiwell plate (2) comprises a housing (1, 3), an illumination unit (5), and a positioning unit (15, 14) for positioning the multiwell plate (2) within the illumination module. The positioning unit (15, 14) has light channels (16) that provide separate light connections from the illumination unit (5) to a surface (151) of the positioning unit (15, 14). On this surface (151), the positioning unit (15, 14) forms a contact surface for the flush placement of a base (23) of the multiwell plate (2), which forms the underside of the cell culture receiving wells (22) of the multiwell plate (2). This flush placement is independent of the well bottom elevation of the multiwell plate (2). The illumination module according to the invention allows the use of multiwell plates from different manufacturers and of different types and brands.