Rotary Luminometer Shielded Detection Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated immunoassay analyzers face limitations in serial testing, where samples are processed one after another, leading to fixed cycle times and potential inaccuracies due to cross-talk interference from adjacent vessels during light-based analyte detection.
Innovation Solution
A separate analyte detection station with a transport section and a shielded detector section, allowing for variable processing times and optimized detection by transferring vessels individually to a rotary housing that shields them from external radiant energy, enabling randomized testing and reduced cross-talk interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If samples are processed in a serial manner on a single transportation element, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to cross-talk interference from adjacent vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a transportation element for moving samples and a separate detection station for reading analyte values. This segmentation allows the detection station to isolate and read individual vessels without interference from adjacent vessels, eliminating cross-talk interference while maintaining simple overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is extracted from the transportation element and placed in a separate detection station. This extraction allows the detection station to provide focused, isolated reading of individual vessels, removing the source of cross-talk interference while keeping the transportation element simple and unchanged.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed cycle time is used for transportation, then the system operation is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to optimize for individual assays
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed, static cycle time to a dynamic, variable cycle time that can be adjusted based on individual assay requirements. The transportation element can be controlled to present vessels to the detection station at optimized intervals for each specific assay, improving measurement precision while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cycle time parameter is made variable and can be changed according to the specific assay being performed. This allows optimization of the time between sample presentation and detection for different analytical methods, improving accuracy without complicating the overall system operation.
3Device complexity
If vessels are read while still on the transportation system, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision worsens due to lack of shielding from external radiant energy
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from the transportation element and placed in a separate detection station equipped with shielding. This allows the detection station to provide focused, isolated reading of individual vessels while blocking external radiant energy, improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection station provides localized shielding around individual vessels during measurement, creating a controlled environment that blocks external radiant energy while allowing the transportation element to remain unshielded and simple in structure.
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 allows for highly accurate analyte detection by optimizing processing times and minimizing cross-talk interference, improving the precision and efficiency of analyte quantification in automated immunoassay analyzers.
Implementation Method 1
the sample is subjected to a myriad of complex processes that may include sample dilution, adding reagents, incubating, agitating, washing and reading of the sample. Reading of the sample has been performed previously using a detection mechanism (e.g., chemiluminescent) that measures the intensity of the light
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary luminometer subsystem presents test vessels to a detection mechanism to be read as part of the automated immunoassay analyzer system. The rotary luminometer provides a read station separate from that of the transportation element of the luminometer. Within the read station, a housing and shield eliminates light leakage from the sample under test. In addition, the read station regulates the intensity of the light by providing an attenuation capability.