Orthogonal Laser Entry Fluorescence Detector Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detector assemblies for fluorescence detection are not customizable to accommodate changing numbers of optical inputs or wavelengths, requiring multiple assemblies and being inflexible for advances in fluorescence detection.
Innovation Solution
The detector assemblies can be adjusted to customize the number of optical inputs and dichroic filters, allowing for the separation of light into more or fewer wavelengths without needing multiple assemblies, using optical alignment assemblies that introduce light orthogonally into a central boulevard with adjustable dichroic filters and detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional prefabricated detector assemblies are used with fixed detector configurations, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but adaptability to different fluorescence detection requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detector assembly is divided into modular components: a base plate with detector mounting positions, removable detector elements, and interchangeable optical components. This segmentation allows individual detectors to be added, removed, or repositioned without affecting the entire assembly, enabling customization for different fluorescence detection configurations while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each module
Solution Approach 2:
The detector assembly incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements rather than fixed configurations. Detectors can be repositioned along the base plate, optical components can be adjusted, and the assembly can be reconfigured for different numbers of optical inputs and wavelength separations. This dynamic capability allows the same physical assembly to adapt to changing detection requirements without requiring multiple specialized assemblies
2Reliability
If multiple prefabricated detector assemblies are used to accommodate different fluorescence detection configurations, then each configuration is optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single detector assembly base plate is designed to support multiple detector configurations and accommodate different numbers of optical inputs. The universal base plate with standardized mounting positions and adjustable components can be configured for various fluorescence detection scenarios, replacing the need for multiple specialized assemblies and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining optimized detection capabilities
3Productivity
If fixed detector configurations are used in prefabricated assemblies, then assembly time is reduced, but flexibility for rapid reconfiguration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is pre-configured with standardized detector mounting positions, alignment features, and optical component interfaces during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of the structural framework allows detectors and optical components to be rapidly installed and configured during operation without requiring complex assembly procedures, thus maintaining fast assembly speed while enabling flexible reconfiguration
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 customization enables flexible and scalable fluorescence detection, allowing for rapid adjustment of detector configurations to accommodate varying light beams and wavelengths, improving the adaptability and efficiency of fluorescence analysis systems.
Implementation Method 1
a beam reflecting element, such as a prism, that reflects a collimated beam into an array of dichroic filters, with the beam reflecting element reflecting light at an angle of approximately 90 degrees
Implementation Method 2
an array of dichroic filters, with the beam reflecting element reflecting light at an angle of approximately 90 degrees into the array of dichroic filters
Implementation Method 3
a collimating lens configured to collimate a beam of light emitted by the optical fiber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A detector assembly for analysis of light, an optical alignment assembly for Introducing an output beam into a demultiplexer, and demultiplexing a beam into wavelength bands.The detector assembly includes an optical alignment assembly to introduce an output beam into an array of filters. The optical alignment assembly is mounted orthogonally to a plane of reflective light.The array Includes filters arranged in two rows. Each filter transmits a wavelength of the output beam and reflects the remaining wavelengths to the next filter. The array includes detectors in detector ports. The optical alignment assembly includes a housing that receives an optical fiber, a collimating lens, a rotatable housing member with a beam reflecting element.The optical alignment assembly is adjustable, utilizing rotational and goniometric tilt mechanisms to ensure the point of entry of a beam into the array remains fixed despite the rotation or tilt of the rotatable housing member.