Scanner Substrate Surface Detection via Picker Tip Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for detecting substrate surfaces within scanners lack efficiency and accuracy in isolating target analytes and fluids, particularly in varying substrate stiffness and surface conditions.
Innovation Solution
A scanner system incorporating a picker with a picker tip driven by a z-axis motor system, including both coarse and fine motors, and a turret with a deflection detector, which uses a position detector and feedback loop to accurately locate and touch the substrate surface, utilizing vibration-inducing components for precise positioning and contact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a picker system is used to isolate target analytes from substrates, then the ability to handle various biological samples is improved, but the accuracy of detecting substrate surfaces varies with substrate stiffness and surface conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a deflection detector that provides real-time feedback on picker tip position relative to the substrate surface. The controller adjusts the picker tip position based on this feedback signal, enabling accurate contact detection regardless of substrate stiffness variations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision across different substrate types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based detection with an optical detection system using a deflection detector. This non-contact or minimal-contact optical method accurately detects substrate surface position without being affected by substrate stiffness, thereby maintaining measurement precision while handling diverse biological samples.
2Measurement precision
If vibration-inducing components are used for precise positioning, then the accuracy of contact detection is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates vibration-inducing components that apply controlled vibrations to the picker tip. By detecting the change in vibration characteristics when the picker tip contacts the substrate, the system achieves highly accurate contact detection. The vibration signal serves as a sensitive indicator of contact, improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration-induced oscillations act as an intermediary signal that mediates between the mechanical picker tip and the electronic detection system. The deflection detector monitors these vibrations, and the controller interprets vibration changes as contact signals, providing accurate contact detection without requiring complex direct mechanical sensing.
3Manufacturing precision
If a feedback loop with position detector is implemented, then the positioning accuracy of the picker tip is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where a position detector continuously monitors the picker tip position, and the controller adjusts the picker tip position based on the detected position feedback. This closed-loop control maintains high positioning accuracy despite variations in substrate properties, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback system enables the picker to self-adjust its position automatically. The position detector provides real-time information about picker tip location, and the controller autonomously makes corrections without external intervention, achieving high positioning accuracy while reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
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 and accurate detection of substrate surfaces by calculating differences in output signals to determine contact points, allowing for precise isolation and analysis of target analytes, suitable for various biological samples and analytical techniques.
Implementation Method 1
A deflection detector, which may be tactile (i.e. touch or pressure sensor), capacitive, optical, acoustic (i.e. sound) or the like
Implementation Method 2
The fine z-motor 114 may be a vibration-inducing component (i.e. a voice coil, an ultrasonic transducer, or the like)
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a system and method for detecting a surface of a substrate within a scanner.