Vibration Capture Assembly for Blur-Free Optical Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical systems face challenges in achieving high throughput of focused images due to movement of components, leading to blurred images during rapid capture of different regions in biological or chemical analysis systems.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a vibration capture assembly that transitions between damping and isolation modes to maintain a rigidly stationary relationship between a flow cell and camera, using isolating members and magnetic fields to resist or prevent vibrational movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the optical system components are moved to capture images of different regions rapidly, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to blurred images from vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture throughputVSAvoidimage focus precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration capture assembly dynamically transitions between damping mode and isolation mode based on the operational state of the actuation assembly. During rapid movement phases, the system engages damping to resist vibration; during stationary capture phases, it switches to isolation mode to prevent vibration transmission, thereby maintaining image precision across different productivity levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state of the vibration capture assembly by altering the electrical resistance of the coil through selective voltage application. This parameter change enables the coil to generate or dissipate electromagnetic forces that counteract or allow vibration, dynamically adjusting the system's vibration characteristics to match operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the actuation assembly moves the imaging assembly rapidly to capture different regions, then the productivity is improved, but the stability of the object's composition deteriorates due to frame vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture speedVSAvoidframe stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration capture assembly applies preliminary counteracting forces through electromagnetic damping during actuation phases. By generating electromagnetic forces that oppose the direction of vibration before it can significantly affect the frame, the system prevents instability while maintaining rapid movement capability for high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the vibration capture assembly resists frame movement during actuation, then the stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe stabilityVSAvoidcoil energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies voltage to the coil selectively during specific phases of operation - primarily during actuation when vibration occurs - rather than continuously. This periodic application of electromagnetic damping provides stability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during stationary image capture phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically adjusts the electrical resistance of the coil by applying or removing voltage based on operational requirements. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between stability (when voltage is applied) and energy efficiency (when voltage is removed), matching energy consumption to actual stabilization needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures clear, focused images are captured at different positions without blurring, enhancing the throughput and accuracy of biological or chemical analysis.

Implementation Method 1

In the damping mode, the vibration capture assembly is configured to resist movement of the frame relative to the chassis in response to operation of the actuation assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic damping: Eddy Current Damping

Implementation Method 2

In the isolation mode, the vibration capture assembly is configured to prevent transmission of vibrational movement in the chassis to the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12571721B2Apparatus and method for capturing vibration in system
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 ILLUMINA INC
  • US12571721B2 patent drawing
  • US12571721B2 patent drawing
  • US12571721B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus includes a chassis, a frame, a sample support member, an imaging assembly, an actuation assembly, and a vibration capture assembly. The frame is coupled with the chassis. The sample support member is supported by the frame. The actuation assembly is supported by the frame and is operable to drive movement of the imaging assembly relative to the sample support member. The vibration capture assembly is operable to selectively transition between a plurality of modes, including a damping mode and an isolation mode. In the damping mode, the vibration capture assembly is configured to resist movement of the frame relative to the chassis in response to operation of the actuation assembly. In the isolation mode, the vibration capture assembly is configured to prevent transmission of vibrational movement in the chassis to the frame.