Parallel Reaction Measurement Apparatus with Single Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for parallel protein detection and DNA processing in microplates face challenges in maintaining uniform conditions across wells, leading to issues with quantitativeness and accuracy due to differences in solid phase, solution concentration, and agitation difficulties, while probe arrays offer uniformity but require multiple expensive PMTs and complex apparatus for accurate measurement.
Innovation Solution
A multiple reaction parallel measurement apparatus with a reaction spot array body, light guiding paths, a measurement head, light guiding path selector, light receiving unit, digital data converter, and storage unit, allowing for sequential light guidance and reception across multiple reaction spots with a single light receiving unit, enabling efficient and accurate processing and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple PMTs are used to measure multiple reaction spots simultaneously, then measurement accuracy is improved, but apparatus complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light guiding paths into a single light receiving unit by sequentially guiding light from multiple reaction spots through optical fibers to one detector, eliminating the need for multiple PMTs while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic sequential measurement where the light receiving unit measures reaction spots in sequence rather than simultaneously, using time-division multiplexing to achieve accurate measurement of multiple spots with a single detector
2Measurement precision
If multiple PMTs are used to measure multiple reaction spots simultaneously, then measurement accuracy is improved, but apparatus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light guiding paths into a single light receiving unit by sequentially guiding light from multiple reaction spots through optical fibers to one detector, eliminating the need for multiple PMTs while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fiber copies to transmit light signals from multiple reaction spots to a single light receiving unit, allowing one detector to serve multiple measurement points through signal replication and time-division multiplexing
3Measurement precision
If light guiding paths are arranged for each reaction spot array element, then measurement accuracy is improved, but apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic sequential measurement where the light receiving unit measures reaction spots in sequence rather than simultaneously, using time-division multiplexing to achieve accurate measurement of multiple spots with a single detector
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediary elements to transmit light signals from multiple reaction spots to a single light receiving unit, enabling complex measurement arrangements to be managed through simple optical transmission paths
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 solution enables high-quantitative and accurate processing and measurement of multiple reaction spots with a compact and cost-effective apparatus, reducing the need for multiple PMTs and simplifying the apparatus design while maintaining high reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light guiding path (61) corresponding to each of the reaction spot array elements (21 to 2n), including a measuring end (621 to 62n) arranged to be able to come in proximity of or in contact with the reaction spot, and arranged to be able to guide light based on an optical state generated by the reaction on the reaction spot to a connecting end (641 to 64n)
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving unit (71) arranged to sequentially receive the light emitted from the light guiding region and perform photoelectric conversion
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple reaction parallel measurement apparatus is intended to measure a large number of reactions quickly, simply and with high accuracy. The apparatus includes: a plurality of light guiding paths corresponding to a plurality of reaction spot array elements, including a measuring end able to be in proximity of or in contact with each one of the reaction spots, and arranged to guide light generated by a reaction at the reaction spot to a connecting end; a measurement head arranged such that the measuring ends reach all together predetermined measurement positions of the corresponding reaction spots of the reaction spot array elements at a predetermined scan period; a light guiding path selector including a light guiding region optically connected to the connecting end; a light receiving unit; and a digital data converter to obtain digital data by converting image region data obtained from the light receiving unit.