Segmented Stage Acceleration for Resonance-Safe Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical resonances in imaging systems used for nucleic acid sequencing cause vibrations that degrade data quality, particularly during rapid acceleration of the motion stage, overwhelming servo controls and leading to focus oscillations and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
The motion of the mechanical stage is divided into segmented acceleration and deceleration phases, with the second phase starting at approximately 1/(2f) seconds after the first, to cancel out resonant vibrations, allowing for rapid data collection while minimizing excitation of resonant frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid acceleration of the motion stage is used to maintain high data collection speed, then productivity is improved, but mechanical resonances are excited causing z-axis vibrations that degrade measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration profile is divided into multiple segments (at least two) with different acceleration rates. The first segment uses a lower acceleration rate to avoid exciting mechanical resonances, while subsequent segments use higher acceleration rates to maintain overall scanning speed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high productivity without degrading measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion stage uses periodic acceleration and deceleration cycles with specifically tuned parameters. By controlling the frequency and duration of these periodic actions, the system avoids resonant frequencies that would cause harmful vibrations, thereby maintaining both high data collection speed and image focus quality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional vibration isolation methods (large inertial mass and vibration isolators) are used, then stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration isolation systems (large inertial masses and physical isolators) with a control-based approach using segmented acceleration profiles. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and weight while achieving comparable or superior vibration resistance through intelligent motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the acceleration parameters dynamically during motion stages. By adjusting acceleration rates, durations, and transitions based on the mechanical system's resonance characteristics, the patent achieves vibration resistance without requiring complex mechanical isolation structures.
3Measurement precision
If servo control systems are enhanced to compensate for vibrations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-planning segmented acceleration profiles that prevent vibration excitation before it occurs. Rather than relying on complex servo systems to react to and correct vibrations during imaging, the motion control proactively avoids generating harmful vibrations in the first place, simplifying the overall system.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If scanning speed is reduced to avoid exciting resonances, then vibration is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning process is divided into segments with different acceleration characteristics. Early segments use lower acceleration to avoid resonance, while later segments maintain higher speeds. This segmentation allows the system to minimize vibration during critical phases while maintaining high overall scanning speed, reducing time loss without compromising image quality.
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 approach reduces z-axis vibrations, maintaining image quality at high data collection speeds without increasing the time required for scanning, thereby improving the overall performance of the imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
mechanical resonances of the inertial mass and imaging system can occur. In particular, rapid acceleration of motion in the y-axis can cause an equal and opposite reaction for the inertial mass, and as the inertial mass may not be free to translate in the opposite y-axis direction, the energy instead may induce a rotation around the x-axis.
Data Source
AI summary
The motion of a mechanical stage may be directed in x-, y-, and/or z-dimensions such that excitation of a resonant frequency f is reduced. In particular, once a resonant frequency f is identified, the acceleration of the stage in the x-, y-, and/or z-dimensions may divided into an even number of acceleration segments or intervals, with the second of each pair of acceleration segments starting 1/(2f) seconds after the start of the initial acceleration segment. The acceleration intervals may be defined by a start time, an amplitude profile, and/or a time duration. In some implementations, the amplitude and time duration of each acceleration pulse may be different. The amplitude and time duration of acceleration steps may be determined and adjusted to compensate for the particular resonance frequency of an individual system, and programmed into a controller for the stage using motor programming controls.