Low-temperature gradient centrifugal exosome separation device

Abstract

The invention provides a low-temperature gradient centrifugal exosome separation device, and belongs to the technical field of centrifugal separation. The driving mechanism comprises a rotating assembly used for achieving centrifugal separation of the exosome, a clamping assembly used for fixing the centrifugal tube, a guiding assembly used in cooperation with the clamping assembly, and a limiting assembly used for limiting the centrifugal tube after the centrifugal tube is fixed by the clamping assembly. The temperature controller is used for regulating and controlling the temperature in the protection box in real time, it is ensured that the centrifugal process stably runs in a low-temperature environment, the biological activity of exosomes is effectively maintained, the clamping assembly and the guide assembly are in cooperative linkage, synchronous and uniform clamping of the multiple separation pipes is achieved, operation is easy and convenient, the sample loading efficiency and clamping reliability are improved, and meanwhile the sample loading efficiency is improved. Through clamping fit of the limiting block in the limiting assembly and the first gear, mechanical self-locking in the clamping state is achieved, reliable clamping and anti-loose limiting can be achieved, the device can also adapt to separation pipes of different sizes, and the operation safety and stability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of centrifugation separation technology, specifically relating to a low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device. Background Technology

[0002] Exosome centrifugation devices typically operate at low temperatures to maintain sample viability. Their structure includes a rotating component to house centrifuge tubes, which are then secured by a clamping mechanism. Some devices employ manual clamping and release, with the operator performing each clamping action individually. A drive source powers the rotating component for centrifugation. However, this manual clamping method involves numerous steps, is time-consuming, and impacts sample loading efficiency. Furthermore, inconsistent or loose clamping during high-speed rotation can affect centrifugation balance and operational safety.

[0003] In existing technologies, exosome centrifugation separation devices typically need to operate in a low-temperature environment to maintain sample viability. At the same time, they require rapid and synchronous clamping and release of multiple centrifuge tubes. However, traditional clamping methods often rely on manual fixation of each tube individually, which is cumbersome and lacks an effective mechanism to prevent the clamping structure from loosening during high-speed rotation, thus affecting operational stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device, which aims to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device, comprising: The support mechanism includes a protective box, a flip cover movably connected to the outer surface of the protective box, and a temperature controller disposed on the outer surface of the flip cover; The driving mechanism includes a rotating assembly for centrifuging exosomes, a clamping assembly for fixing centrifuge tubes, a guiding assembly that works in conjunction with the clamping assembly, and a limiting assembly for limiting the centrifuge tubes after they have been fixed by the clamping assembly.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rotating assembly includes a motor adapted to be installed at the bottom of the protective box, a drive shaft fixedly connected to the output end of the motor via a coupling, a turntable fixedly installed at the end of the drive shaft, and a fixing disc sleeved on the outer surface of the drive shaft.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping assembly includes a knob rotatably connected to the outer surface of the fixed disk, a first gear fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the knob, a second gear meshing with the first gear, an external gear ring meshing with the second gear, a connecting rod fixedly connected to the external gear ring, and a drive disk fixedly mounted on the end of the connecting rod.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide assembly includes an arc-shaped guide groove formed along the outer surface of the drive disk, a slide rail fixedly installed on the outer surface of the turntable, a slider that slides with the slide rail, and an arc-shaped clamping plate fixedly connected to the slider and slidingly engaged with the arc-shaped guide groove.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the limiting component includes a fixing block fixedly installed on the outer surface of the fixing plate, a limiting block rotatably connected to the fixing block and engaged with the first gear, and a spring fixedly connected to the outer surface of the limiting block.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive shaft passes through the fixed disk and is fixedly connected to the turntable, and the outer surface of the fixed disk slides in contact with the inner wall of the protective box.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bearing sleeve is provided at the connection between the knob and the fixed disk, the inner surface of the outer toothed ring is rotatably connected to the outer surface of the turntable, and a bearing sleeve is provided at the connection, the connecting rod passes through the turntable and is fixedly connected to the drive disk, and a bearing is provided at the point where the connecting rod passes through the turntable.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second gear is provided in multiple sets, and the multiple sets of the second gear are distributed in a ring array and mesh with the external gear ring.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface of the arc-shaped guide groove is in sliding engagement with the outer surface of the arc-shaped clamp, and the outer surface of the slide rail is in sliding engagement with the outer surface of the slider.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bearing is provided at the connection between the fixing block and the limiting block, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to the fixing plate.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the temperature inside the protective box is regulated in real time by the temperature controller, ensuring stable operation of the centrifugation process in a low-temperature environment, effectively maintaining the biological activity of exosomes; the clamping component and the guiding component work together to achieve synchronous and uniform clamping of multiple separation tubes, making operation simple, improving sample loading efficiency and clamping reliability; at the same time, the mechanical self-locking of the clamping state is achieved through the engagement of the limiting block and the first gear in the limiting component, which not only reliably clamps and prevents loosening, but also adapts to separation tubes of different sizes, improving operational safety and stability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the protective box of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting component of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a partial structure of the drive mechanism of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamping component and the guide component of the present invention.

[0017] In the diagram: 100, bearing mechanism; 101, protective box; 102, flip cover; 103, temperature controller; 200, drive mechanism; 201, rotating assembly; 201a, motor; 201b, drive shaft; 201c, turntable; 201d, fixed plate; 202, clamping assembly; 202a, knob; 202b, first gear; 202c, second gear; 202d, external gear ring; 202e, connecting rod; 202f, drive plate; 203, guide assembly; 203a, arc-shaped guide groove; 203b, slide rail; 203c, slider; 203d, arc-shaped clamping plate; 204, limiting assembly; 204a, fixed block; 204b, limiting block; 204c, spring. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0020] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0021] Example 1 Reference Figures 1-5 This is the first embodiment of the present invention, which provides a low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device, comprising: The support mechanism 100 includes a protective box 101, a flip cover 102 movably connected to the outer surface of the protective box 101, and a temperature controller 103 disposed on the outer surface of the flip cover 102. The drive mechanism 200 includes a rotating assembly 201 for centrifugally separating exosomes, a clamping assembly 202 for fixing centrifuge tubes, a guide assembly 203 that works in conjunction with the clamping assembly 202, and a limiting assembly 204 for limiting the centrifuge tubes after they are fixed by the clamping assembly 202.

[0022] The temperature controller 103 is located at the bottom of the flip cover 102. When the exosome separation operation is performed in the protective box 101, the temperature controller 103 can monitor and precisely control the temperature inside the protective box 101 in real time, ensuring that the centrifugation process runs stably in the preset low temperature environment, effectively maintaining the biological activity of exosomes, and improving the separation purity and experimental reliability.

[0023] Specifically, the rotating assembly 201 includes a motor 201a adapted to be installed at the bottom of the protective box 101, a drive shaft 201b fixedly connected to the output end of the motor 201a via a coupling, a turntable 201c fixedly installed at the end of the drive shaft 201b, and a fixed plate 201d sleeved on the outer surface of the drive shaft 201b.

[0024] Furthermore, the clamping assembly 202 includes a knob 202a rotatably connected to the outer surface of the fixed disk 201d, a first gear 202b fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the knob 202a, a second gear 202c meshing with the first gear 202b, an outer gear ring 202d meshing with the second gear 202c, a connecting rod 202e fixedly connected to the outer gear ring 202d, and a drive disk 202f fixedly mounted at the end of the connecting rod 202e.

[0025] Furthermore, the guide assembly 203 includes an arc-shaped guide groove 203a formed along the outer surface of the drive disk 202f, a slide rail 203b fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the turntable 201c, a slider 203c that slides with the slide rail 203b, and an arc-shaped clamping plate 203d that is fixedly connected to the slider 203c and slides with the arc-shaped guide groove 203a.

[0026] When the separator needs to be fixed, the operator rotates knob 202a. Knob 202a drives the first gear 202b fixed on its outer surface to rotate synchronously. Since the first gear 202b meshes with multiple sets of second gears 202c, the second gears 202c rotate accordingly, driving the outer gear ring 202d meshing with it to rotate. The outer gear ring 202d drives the drive disc 202f to rotate synchronously through the connecting rod 202e fixedly connected to its outer surface. The outer surface of the drive disc 202f is provided with an annular arc-shaped guide groove 203a. This arc-shaped guide groove 203a interacts with the arc-shaped guide groove 202f to rotate synchronously. The curved clamp 203d slides in conjunction with the slider 203c, which is fixedly connected to the slide rail 203b fixed on the outer surface of the turntable 201c. As the drive disc 202f rotates, the curved guide groove 203a pushes the curved clamp 203d to drive the slider 203c to move along the slide rail 203b, thereby causing multiple curved clamps 203d to move radially towards the separation tube simultaneously, achieving uniform clamping of the separation tube. When the knob 202a is rotated in the opposite direction, the components move in the opposite direction, and the curved clamps 203d move away from the separation tube simultaneously, achieving rapid release.

[0027] Furthermore, the drive shaft 201b passes through the fixed disk 201d and is fixedly connected to the turntable 201c, and the outer surface of the fixed disk 201d slides in contact with the inner wall of the protective box 101.

[0028] Preferably, a bearing sleeve is provided at the connection between the knob 202a and the fixed disk 201d, the inner surface of the outer gear ring 202d is rotatably connected to the outer surface of the turntable 201c, and a bearing sleeve is provided at the connection, the connecting rod 202e passes through the turntable 201c and is fixedly connected to the drive disk 202f, and a bearing is provided at the point where the connecting rod 202e passes through the turntable 201c.

[0029] It should be noted that the second gear 202c is provided in multiple sets, and the multiple sets of second gears 202c are distributed in a ring array and mesh with the external gear ring 202d.

[0030] It should be noted that the inner surface of the arc-shaped guide groove 203a slides with the outer surface of the arc-shaped clamp 203d, and the outer surface of the slide rail 203b slides with the outer surface of the slider 203c.

[0031] In use, the operator first opens the flip cover 102, which is movably connected to the outer surface of the protective box 101, and places the separation tubes containing the samples into the multiple stations on the turntable 201c in sequence. Then, the operator rotates the knob 202a installed on the outer surface of the fixed plate 201d. The knob 202a drives the first gear 202b fixed on its outer ring to rotate synchronously. Since the first gear 202b meshes with multiple sets of second gears 202c arranged in a circular array, the second gears 202c rotate accordingly and drive the rotation of the second gears 202c. The external gear ring 202d, which meshes with it, rotates. The external gear ring 202d drives the drive disk 202f to rotate synchronously via a connecting rod 202e fixedly connected to its outer ring. The outer surface of the drive disk 202f is provided with an annular arc-shaped guide groove 203a, which slides in conjunction with an arc-shaped clamping plate 203d. The arc-shaped clamping plate 203d is fixedly connected to a slider 203c, which slides along a slide rail 203b fixed to the outer surface of the turntable 201c. As the drive disk 202f rotates... The contour of the arc-shaped guide groove 203a pushes the arc-shaped clamping plate 203d to move radially inward, causing the slider 203c to slide on the slide rail 203b. This allows multiple arc-shaped clamping plates 203d to move towards the separation tube simultaneously, achieving uniform and reliable clamping of all separation tubes. Then, the flip cover 102 is closed. At this time, the temperature controller 103 located at the bottom of the flip cover 102 is activated to monitor and precisely control the internal environment of the protective box 101 in real time, ensuring that the entire centrifugation process operates stably under the preset low temperature conditions. This effectively prevents exosomes from becoming inactive due to temperature rise, ensuring separation purity and biological activity. At this time, the motor 201a is started. The motor 201a drives the drive shaft 201b installed at its output end to rotate at high speed through the coupling. The turntable 201c at the end of the drive shaft 201b rotates accordingly, driving the clamped separation tubes to perform gradient centrifugation, achieving efficient separation of exosomes. After centrifugation, the power is turned off, the flip cover 102 is opened, and the release action of the separation tube is controlled by the limiting component 204, completing the entire separation process.

[0032] In summary, the temperature inside the protective chamber 101 is regulated in real time by the temperature controller 103, ensuring stable operation of the centrifugation process in a low-temperature environment and effectively maintaining the biological activity of exosomes. At the same time, the clamping component 202 and the guiding component 203 work together to achieve synchronous and uniform clamping of multiple separation tubes, which is easy to operate and improves sample loading efficiency and clamping reliability.

[0033] Example 2 Reference Figure 3 This is the second embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the previous embodiment, this embodiment provides a limiting position after the arc-shaped clamping plate holds the tube to prevent the separation tube from moving due to rotation.

[0034] Specifically, the limiting component 204 includes a fixing block 204a fixedly installed on the outer surface of the fixing plate 201d, a limiting block 204b rotatably connected to the fixing block 204a and engaged with the first gear 202b, and a spring 204c fixedly connected to the outer surface of the limiting block 204b.

[0035] In this device, the limiting block 204b is moved and pressure is applied to the spring 204c, causing the limiting block 204b to disengage from the first gear 202b. When the adjusting knob 202a drives the first gear 202b to rotate to the desired position, the limiting block 204b is released. Under the elastic restoring force of the spring 204c, the limiting block 204b automatically resets and engages with the tooth groove of the first gear 202b, thereby locking the clamping state. This structure allows for flexible adjustment of the clamping stroke and adaptability to different sizes of separation tubes, improving the versatility and flexibility of the device.

[0036] Furthermore, a bearing is provided at the connection between the fixing block 204a and the limiting block 204b, and the other end of the spring 204c is fixedly connected to the fixing plate 201d.

[0037] During use, to ensure that the clamping state does not loosen due to vibration or inertia during high-speed centrifugation, the limiting component 204 needs to be activated for mechanical locking. The operator moves the limiting block 204b, which is rotatably connected to the fixed block 204a, so that it rotates around the connection point. At the same time, pressure is applied to the spring 204c, which is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the limiting block 204b, compressing the spring 204c. This causes the limiting block 204b to disengage from the tooth groove of the first gear 202b, releasing the limiting state. Then, the knob 202a is turned to rotate the first gear 202b to adjust to the final position of the clamping stroke, ensuring that all separation tubes are firmly clamped. When the knob 202a is in position, the limiting block 204b is released. Under the pre-tightening action of the spring 204c, which is fixedly connected to the fixed plate 201d, the spring 204c releases its elastic potential energy, pushing the limiting block 204b to automatically reset, so that its end re-engages in the corresponding tooth groove of the first gear 202b, achieving a firm fit and mechanical self-locking.

[0038] In summary, by setting the limiting component 204 and utilizing the snap-fit ​​between the limiting block 204b and the first gear 202b, mechanical self-locking is achieved after clamping is completed, effectively preventing clamping loosening due to vibration or inertia during high-speed centrifugation. This not only improves the safety and stability of equipment operation, but also allows for flexible adaptation to different sized separation tubes by adjusting the position of the knob 202a, enhancing the versatility and ease of operation of the device.

[0039] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0040] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may be omitted.

[0041] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.

[0042] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device, characterized in that: include, The support mechanism (100) includes a protective box (101), a flip cover (102) movably connected to the outer surface of the protective box (101), and a temperature controller (103) disposed on the outer surface of the flip cover (102). The drive mechanism (200) includes a rotating assembly (201) for centrifugation of exosomes, a clamping assembly (202) for fixing centrifuge tubes, a guide assembly (203) for use with the clamping assembly (202), and a limiting assembly (204) for limiting the centrifuge tubes after they are fixed by the clamping assembly (202).

2. The low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating assembly (201) includes a motor (201a) adapted to be installed at the bottom of the protective box (101), a drive shaft (201b) fixedly connected to the output end of the motor (201a) via a coupling, a turntable (201c) fixedly installed at the end of the drive shaft (201b), and a fixed plate (201d) sleeved on the outer surface of the drive shaft (201b).

3. The low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping assembly (202) includes a knob (202a) rotatably connected to the outer surface of the fixed disk (201d), a first gear (202b) fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the knob (202a), a second gear (202c) meshing with the first gear (202b), an external gear ring (202d) meshing with the second gear (202c), a connecting rod (202e) fixedly connected to the external gear ring (202d), and a drive disk (202f) fixedly mounted on the end of the connecting rod (202e).

4. The low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide assembly (203) includes an arc-shaped guide groove (203a) circumferentially formed on the outer surface of the drive disk (202f), a slide rail (203b) fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the turntable (201c), a slider (203c) slidably engaged with the slide rail (203b), and an arc-shaped clamping plate (203d) fixedly connected to the slider (203c) and slidably engaged with the arc-shaped guide groove (203a).

5. The low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting component (204) includes a fixing block (204a) fixedly installed on the outer surface of the fixing plate (201d), a limiting block (204b) rotatably connected to the fixing block (204a) and engaged with the first gear (202b), and a spring (204c) fixedly connected to the outer surface of the limiting block (204b).

6. The low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The drive shaft (201b) passes through the fixed disk (201d) and is fixedly connected to the turntable (201c). The outer surface of the fixed disk (201d) slides in contact with the inner wall of the protective box (101).

7. The low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: A bearing sleeve is provided at the connection between the knob (202a) and the fixed disk (201d). The inner surface of the external gear ring (202d) is rotatably connected to the outer surface of the turntable (201c), and a bearing sleeve is provided at the connection. The connecting rod (202e) passes through the turntable (201c) and is fixedly connected to the drive disk (202f). A bearing is provided at the point where the connecting rod (202e) passes through the turntable (201c).

8. The low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second gear (202c) is provided in multiple sets, and the multiple sets of the second gear (202c) are distributed in a ring array and mesh with the external gear ring (202d).

9. The low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inner surface of the arc-shaped guide groove (203a) is in sliding engagement with the outer surface of the arc-shaped clamp (203d), and the outer surface of the slide rail (203b) is in sliding engagement with the outer surface of the slider (203c).

10. The low-temperature gradient centrifugation exosome separation device according to claim 9, characterized in that: A bearing is provided at the connection between the fixing block (204a) and the limiting block (204b), and the other end of the spring (204c) is fixedly connected to the fixing plate (201d).

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