Biological Sample Analyzer with Single-Path Multi-Dye Optics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PCR systems face challenges in efficiently processing a large number of reaction regions with multiple target dyes, leading to increased size, cost, complexity, and response time due to the use of multiple beamsplitters and beam dumps for each excitation and emission channel.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a single beamsplitter and beam dump configuration, combined with a specific spectral distribution of excitation sources, allows for simultaneous illumination of multiple reaction regions with different wavelengths, enhancing optical efficiency and reducing system size, cost, and response time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple beamsplitters and beam dumps are used for each excitation and emission channel, then the system can process multiple reaction regions with different target dyes, but the system size, cost, and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process multiple reaction regions with different target dyesVSAvoidnumber of beamsplitters and beam dumps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple beamsplitters and beam dumps into a single beamsplitter and single beam dump configuration. This merging approach maintains the ability to process multiple reaction regions with different target dyes while significantly reducing system complexity and component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single beamsplitter and beam dump are designed to serve multiple functions across different excitation and emission channels. The system achieves multi-functionality by using a universal optical path configuration that can handle various wavelength combinations without requiring dedicated components for each channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process multiple reaction regions with different target dyesVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple optical path configurations into a single integrated path with one beamsplitter and one beam dump, the system eliminates the sequential switching operations required when using multiple separate components. This reduces the time needed to reconfigure the optical path when processing different reaction regions or dyes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process multiple reaction regions with different target dyesVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple optical components into a single compact configuration. By merging the functions of multiple beamsplitters and beam dumps into one integrated optical path, the physical volume occupied by the system is significantly reduced while maintaining the capability to process multiple reaction regions with different dyes.

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 enables faster data acquisition and improved performance by optimizing the spectral distribution of excitation sources, reducing the need for multiple beamsplitters and beam dumps, resulting in a more compact, cost-effective, and efficient PCR system.

Implementation Method 1

an excitation source having a specific spectral distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

an optical sensor configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the biological sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250305041A1Systems and methods for assessing biological samples

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

An instrument for biological analysis includes a base, an excitation source, an optical sensor, an excitation optical system, and an emission optical system. The base is configured to receive a sample holder comprising a plurality of biological samples. The optical sensor is configured to receive emissions from the biological samples in response to the excitation source. The instrument may additionally include a sensor lens enclosed by a lens case and a focusing mechanism including a gear that engages the lens case, the focusing mechanism being accessible outside the enclosure for adjusting a focus. The instrument may further include a sensor aperture dispose along an emission optical path and a blocking structure disposed to cooperate with the sensor aperture such that none of the reflected radiation from an illuminated surface near the sample holder is received by the optical sensor that does not also reflect off another surface of the instrument.