Rotating Optical Assembly for Biochip Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensing apparatuses are inefficient in rapidly scanning samples with multiple test sites arranged in non-rectilinear patterns, requiring movement in a rectilinear fashion and lacking flexibility to handle biochips with high-density test sites, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces scanning speed.
Innovation Solution
A sensing apparatus comprising a sample holder, an optical source, an optical assembly, and a detector, where the optical assembly is rotatable to direct excitation light to multiple locations on the sample without moving the sample, using a collimating objective lens module to collect and focus emitted light, and a detector to capture fluorescence signals, allowing for rapid scanning of biochips with non-rectilinear test site arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensing apparatuses use collection lenses and pin-hole lenses to focus light from the sample onto the detector, then the signal-to-noise ratio and detection precision are improved, but the manufacturing cost, system bulk, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the collection lens and pin-hole lens from the optical path. Instead of using these traditional components to focus light onto the detector, the invention uses a different approach where the detector directly receives light from the sample at a defined angle, eliminating the need for these bulky components while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (collection lens and pin-hole lens) with a geometric/optical approach using a light guide or optical fiber positioned at a specific angle to the sample surface. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical lens assemblies while achieving the same light collection function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensing apparatuses move the sample or sensing body in a linear or grid fashion to scan each test site, then the system can read samples with standard arrangements, but the scanning speed is slow and the system cannot handle non-rectilinear patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear/scanning motion to rotational motion of the optical assembly around the sample. By rotating the optical assembly in an arcuate path around the sample holder, the system can rapidly access multiple test sites arranged in non-rectilinear patterns without the slow linear scanning required by conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical assembly dynamic and rotatable rather than fixed. The optical assembly can rotate to different angular positions around the sample, enabling flexible access to test sites arranged in various patterns including spirals, circles, or arcs, while maintaining rapid scanning capability.
3Productivity
If the optical assembly is rotated to direct excitation light to multiple locations on the sample without moving the sample, then the scanning speed increases and flexibility for non-rectilinear patterns is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable optical assembly serves multiple functions: it directs excitation light to different locations on the sample, collects emitted light from various test sites, and adapts to different sample patterns (rectilinear or non-rectilinear) without requiring separate systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added rotational capability.
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 rapid and flexible scanning of samples with multiple test sites, reducing scanning time and increasing the density of test sites, while eliminating the need for bulky and costly collection lenses or pin-hole lenses, thus enhancing research efficiency and reducing laboratory resources.
Implementation Method 1
The objective lens module collimates light emitted from the first and second locations on the sample, which fluoresced in response to the first light
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for optical sensing of samples includes an optical source, an optical assembly, a sample holder, an objective lens, and a detector. The objective lens collimates light emitted by the sample. Preferably, the optical assembly rotates about an axis, allowing the sensing apparatus to sense results from plural locations on a sample without moving the sample. Moving the sample in a linear direction while rotating the optical assembly allows sensing of an entire sample. Preferably, light from the optical source enters the optical assembly along the axis of rotation. Sensing methods consistent with the invention are also described.