Multi-Well Plate Reader Alignment Trays for Precise Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate readers are large, complex, and expensive, requiring dedicated laboratory space, are difficult to integrate into specialized environments, and incur high maintenance costs, with limited availability in a single lab leading to resource bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state, multi-well plate reader with temporarily aligned emitter and receptor assemblies using two alignment trays, allowing for reproducible optical alignment and easy access, while blocking ambient light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional plate readers use fixed-position emitters and detectors with complex optical systems, then measurement precision is maintained, but device size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into two separate trays: an emitter tray holding multiple LED emitters and a detector tray holding multiple photodetectors. These trays can be independently positioned and aligned, allowing the complex measurement function to be segmented across movable components rather than requiring a single complex fixed optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter and detector trays are designed to be movable relative to each other along the optical axis, enabling dynamic adjustment of the optical path length. This dynamic positioning system replaces complex fixed optical components with simpler movable trays that can be aligned to achieve precise measurements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional plate readers are designed with fixed positioning systems, then alignment stability is improved, but adaptability to different environments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The trays are designed with movable mounting mechanisms that allow adjustment of the optical path length and relative positioning between emitters and detectors. This dynamic adjustability enables the same instrument to adapt to different experimental configurations and environments while maintaining stable alignment through controlled positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable tray design with adjustable positioning allows the instrument to function in multiple environments including incubators, anaerobic chambers, and standard laboratories. The universal design accommodates different sample plate types and measurement configurations, making the instrument versatile across diverse research settings.
3Reliability
If plate readers use large fixed optical systems, then measurement reliability is maintained, but ease of operation and access decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample plate area is segmented from the optical components, with separate emitter and detector trays that can be independently accessed. This segmentation allows users to easily load and remove sample plates without disturbing the optical system, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement reliability through consistent optical paths.
4Measurement precision
If traditional plate readers use expensive monochromators and filters, then wavelength selection precision is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems (monochromators and filters) with solid-state LED emitters that directly emit at specific wavelengths. This substitution eliminates the need for moving parts and complex optical components while maintaining wavelength selection precision through the inherent properties of LED light emission.
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 precise optical measurements in a compact, cost-effective format that can be used in various environments and reduces maintenance needs, improving research efficiency and availability.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter assembly (4) having a plurality of emitters
Implementation Method 2
a receptor assembly (5) having a plurality of receptors
Implementation Method 3
the alignment trays serve to secure a multi-well sample plate and optically align the emitter and receptor assemblies with the plate and each other in a reproducible manner
Implementation Method 4
boundary assembly (6) housing the trays and emitter and receptor assemblies, wherein the positions of the emitter and receptor assemblies are not fixed relative to each other but are temporarily aligned for measurement by way of the two alignment trays
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a solid-state, multi-well plate reader including an emitter assembly having a plurality of emitters and a receptor assembly having a plurality of receptors, where the positions of these assemblies are not fixed relative to each other but are temporarily aligned for measurement by way of two alignment trays.