Scanning Photometer Constant Velocity Rail Carriage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scanning photometers face challenges in achieving precise, reliable, and repeatable data acquisition due to mechanical vibrations caused by 'jerk' during motion, especially when using stationary setups with array tapes, which compromises data quality in multi-dye fluorescence assessments.

Innovation Solution

A scanning photometer with first and second fluorophore excitation sources, a common emission detector, and a scanning rail carriage for reversible travel at constant velocity, along with additional features like colocalization, consensing, and confocal modalities to ensure precise and reliable data acquisition across multiple targets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a stationary photometer is used to eliminate jerk-related vibration, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to impracticality with continuously spooled array tapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata qualityVSAvoidprocessing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the photometer stationary as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the approach by making the photometer movable (scanning) while the sample remains stationary on the array tape. This allows high-speed scanning through the sample array, maintaining measurement precision through consistent optical alignment while achieving high productivity through continuous tape spooling and rapid scanner movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If a scanning photometer is used to increase processing throughput, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistencies in relative positioning between scanner and targets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoiddata quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including encoder strips that provide real-time position information to the control system. This feedback allows the scanner to maintain precise positioning and consistent relative alignment with targets on the array tape, ensuring measurement precision is maintained even at high scanning speeds and throughputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with optical-mechanical scanning combined with electronic control and feedback. Instead of relying purely on mechanical precision, the system uses encoded position data and controlled scanner movement to achieve consistent measurement conditions, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fluorophore excitation sources are used for multi-dye fluorescence assessment, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-dye fluorescence assessmentVSAvoidscanner structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fluorophore excitation sources into a single scanning photometer unit that can detect emissions from multiple fluorophores. By merging the excitation sources and detection capabilities into one integrated scanner, the system achieves multi-dye fluorescence assessment capability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate instruments, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution minimizes vibration and ensures high-speed scanning with improved data quality by maintaining constant velocity and using multiple excitation sources with a single emission detector, allowing for simultaneous, accurate measurements of multiple fluorophores at the same alignment, reducing sensor drift and maintaining consistent measurement conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Fluorescence photometry is premised upon the adsorption and subsequent re-radiation of light, i.e., electromagnetic radiation, by organic and inorganic specimens. Via fluorescence labeling or tagging of a specimen, sample, etc. with a fluorophore (a/k/a, a fluorochrome), i.e., a functional group of a molecule which absorbs energy of a specific wavelength and re-emits energy at a different, but equally specific wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

an objective lens, and a common emission detector for the detection of first and second fluorophore emissions originating from the excitation of the fluorophores via passage of excitation energy, via an optical path of the objective lens, from the excitation sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical focusing and transmission: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS8759795B2Scanner photometer and methods

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 LGC GENOMICS LLC

AI summary

A scanning photometer and attendant methods are provided. The scanning photometer is generally characterized by first and second fluorophore excitation sources, an objective lens, and a common emission detector for the detection of first and second fluorophore emission originating from the excitation of the fluorophores via passage of excitation energy, via an optical path of the objective lens, from the excitation sources. Excitation energy and emission energy conditioning elements are likewise provided, operatively interposed before or after the objective lens as the case may be.