SPR Actuator Driven Angle Scanning Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) microscopy instruments have a large footprint due to the need for dual rotation tables with fine resolution and sufficient torque, making them mechanically complex and difficult to compact.

Innovation Solution

A semi-circular rail system with a driving mechanism that allows the light source and detector to move synchronously along the rail, reducing the instrument's size and complexity by using a single actuator, enabling angular scanning of the light beam with respect to the sample surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dual rotation tables with fine resolution and sufficient torque are used to enable angular scanning, then the SPR instrument can perform angle scanning function, but the physical size and mechanical complexity of the instrument increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular scanning capabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of two separate rotation tables into a single rotation stage. The light source and detector are mounted on a common rotating platform that rotates together as one unit, eliminating the need for two independent rotation mechanisms while maintaining the angular scanning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single rotation stage serves multiple functions: it positions both the light source and detector at the required angles simultaneously, provides the angular scanning function, and maintains the optical alignment between source and detector. This multi-functional design reduces mechanical complexity while preserving all necessary capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual rotation tables with fine resolution and sufficient torque are used to enable angular scanning, then the SPR instrument can perform angle scanning function, but the physical footprint of the instrument becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular scanning capabilityVSAvoidinstrument footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of two separate rotation tables into a single rotation stage. The light source and detector are mounted on a common rotating platform that rotates together as one unit, eliminating the need for two independent rotation mechanisms while maintaining the angular scanning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If fixed wavelength coherent angle scanning SPR employing dual rotation tables is used, then the SPR signal can be obtained, but the instrument requires large physical space for rotation stages

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSPR signal detectionVSAvoidrotation stage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of two separate rotation tables into a single rotation stage. The light source and detector are mounted on a common rotating platform that rotates together as one unit, eliminating the need for two independent rotation mechanisms while maintaining the angular scanning capability.

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

This configuration significantly reduces the physical size and mechanical complexity of the SPR instrument while maintaining the ability to perform angular scanning, allowing for more compact and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) spectroscopy is a powerful method capable of detecting molecular binding events at the nanometer scale by detecting changes in the effective refractive index or thickness of an adsorbed layer on or near an SPR active surface. When light is reflected from an SPR active medium at an angle greater than the critical angle, incident photons can generate surface plasmons.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface plasmon resonance:

Data Source

PatentUS8264691B2Surface plasmon resonance spectrometer with an actuator driven angle scanning mechanism

Publication Date: 2012.09.11 SUZHOU PUXIN LIFE SCI & TECH LTD

AI summary

Instruments and methods relating to surface plasmon imaging are described. An instrument comprises a semi-circular rail and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is attached to a light source mount and a detector mount, and both the light source mount and the detector mount are attached to the semi-circular rail with connectors. Each connector allows the light source mount and detector mount to slide along the rail. The synchronous movement of the light source mount and the detector mount changes the angle of incidence of a light beam from the light source with respect to the plane of the sample surface on the sample stage.