Rotating Assay Light Detection Without Stopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light detection methods for liquid samples in rotating assay devices require stopping the device at each rotational position for precise light readings, which is time-consuming and increases the complexity of the system.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves rotating an assay device with chambers containing liquid samples, directing light from a source through the chambers as they align, and receiving the light at a receiver to determine light intensity measurements without stopping the device. This allows for the determination of the effect of the liquid sample on light, including absorption, scattering, reflection, or changes in refractive index.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the assay device is stopped at each rotational position for light readings, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static measurement approach (stopping the device) to a dynamic measurement approach (continuous rotation). The light source and receiver track the rotating chambers, allowing measurements to be taken during rotation rather than requiring the device to be stationary at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The assay device rotates continuously through multiple positions without stopping, maintaining continuous useful action. Light measurements are taken at multiple rotational positions (including 0°, 120°, and 240°) while the device is in motion, eliminating idle time between measurements and improving throughput.
2Measurement precision
If the assay device is stopped at each rotational position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic tracking where the light source and receiver are positioned to follow the rotating chambers. This eliminates the need for complex stopping and positioning mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through continuous motion and tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source and receiver are pre-positioned at specific angular locations (0°, 120°, 240°) around the rotation axis. This preliminary positioning allows measurements to be taken at multiple chambers during continuous rotation without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light readings are taken at different rotational positions, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated stopping and starting
Solution Approach 1:
The assay device rotates continuously through all measurement positions without stopping. Light readings are taken at multiple rotational positions (0°, 120°, 240°) during continuous rotation, eliminating the time loss associated with repeated stopping and starting while maintaining measurement precision through multiple data points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions light sources and receivers at specific angular locations around the rotation axis. This allows multiple chambers to be measured during a single continuous rotation cycle, eliminating the need to stop and start the device multiple times and reducing time loss.
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 efficient determination of the effect of liquid samples on light without stopping the assay device, reducing the time required for assays and simplifying the system by combining light intensity measurements for chamber identification and effect determination.
Implementation Method 1
measuring light absorption of the liquid being tested
Implementation Method 2
The effect on the light may be amount of light absorption, light scattering, light reflection or changes in the refractive index of the liquid
Implementation Method 3
The effect on the light may be amount of light absorption, light scattering, light reflection or changes in the refractive index of the liquid
Implementation Method 4
The effect on the light may be amount of light absorption, light scattering, light reflection or changes in the refractive index of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system including a detection device and an assay device. The detection device includes a space for receiving an assay device, a drive arrangement engaging the assay device to rotate the assay device, a light source arranged to direct light towards the assay device, and a diffuser arranged to diffuse light from the light source. The diffuser is arranged between the light source and the space. The detection device includes a light receiver arranged to receive light from the light source that has passed through the assay device.