Solid-State Multi-Well Plate Reader With Temporary Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate readers are large, complex, and costly, requiring dedicated laboratory space, are difficult to integrate into specialized environments, and incur high maintenance costs, with limited availability in a single lab leading to resource bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state, multi-well plate reader with temporarily alignable emitter and receptor assemblies using two alignment trays, allowing for reproducible optical alignment and easy access, while blocking ambient light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional plate readers use fixed-position emitters and detectors with complex optical systems, then measurement precision is maintained, but device size becomes large and requires dedicated laboratory space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the emitter and detector assemblies movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be temporarily aligned during measurement and repositioned for storage. The alignment trays enable dynamic positioning that maintains measurement precision while reducing the device's permanent footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate alignment trays that can be independently positioned. The emitter assembly and detector assembly are segmented from the main device body, allowing them to be temporarily aligned only when needed for measurement, thereby reducing the required device volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional plate readers use complex optical systems with monochromators and filters, then measurement capability is comprehensive, but device complexity increases and maintenance costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex optical components (monochromators, filters) from the device, relying instead on the inherent optical properties of the emitters and detectors. This simplifies the optical system while maintaining measurement versatility through the use of multiple emitter types and detector configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems with solid-state emitters and detectors. The alignment trays provide mechanical positioning, but the measurement function is achieved through electronic detection rather than complex optical mechanics, reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional plate readers are designed as permanently fixed instruments, then measurement stability is ensured, but adaptability to specialized environments such as incubators or anaerobic chambers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The movable alignment trays allow the device to be dynamically configured for different environments. The emitter and detector assemblies can be temporarily positioned for stable measurements and then repositioned, enabling the device to adapt to various environments including incubators and anaerobic chambers while maintaining measurement reliability during operation.
4Reliability
If traditional plate readers use expensive service contracts and specialized maintenance, then measurement reliability is maintained, but operational cost increases and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified solid-state design with movable alignment trays enables users to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting themselves without requiring specialized service contracts. The modular construction allows easy access to components for cleaning and inspection, improving ease of repair while maintaining measurement reliability.
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 precise optical measurements in a compact, flexible, and cost-effective format, suitable for various environments and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter assembly (4) having a plurality of emitters
Implementation Method 2
a receptor assembly (5) having a plurality of receptors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a solid-state, multi-well plate reader including an emitter assembly having a plurality of emitters and a receptor assembly having a plurality of receptors, where the positions of these assemblies are not fixed relative to each other but are temporarily aligned for measurement by way of two alignment trays.