Adaptor Column Sealing for Vacuum Biological Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semi-permeable membrane column systems for processing biological samples face challenges with stability and accuracy during vacuum application, leading to potential cross-contamination and operator discomfort due to loose engagement with vacuum manifolds, especially when handling contagious liquids.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a semi-permeable column, an adaptor column, and sealing elements made of resilient material to ensure a secure and air-tight connection between the columns and the vacuum manifold, preventing leakage and shifting during operation, and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tight insertion style is used to securely engage the semi-permeable membrane column with the vacuum manifold, then the sealing and stability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to operator discomfort and difficulty in assembly
Solution Approach 1:
An adaptor column is introduced as an intermediary component between the semi-permeable membrane column and the vacuum manifold. The adaptor column features a tapered section that fits into the vacuum manifold hole and a receiving section that loosely receives the semi-permeable membrane column. This intermediary structure enables secure engagement without requiring tight insertion, thus maintaining sealing reliability while improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the semi-permeable membrane column is loosely received in the vacuum manifold slot, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and measurement precision deteriorate due to potential shifting and gas leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor column serves as a mediator that provides both loose reception for easy assembly and secure engagement for stability. The tapered section of the adaptor column forms a tight connection with the vacuum manifold slot, while the receiving section loosely accommodates the semi-permeable membrane column, achieving both ease of operation and processing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element, which can be a flexible component such as an O-ring or gasket, is positioned between the adaptor column and the vacuum manifold slot. This flexible sealing element ensures gas-tight sealing while accommodating slight dimensional variations, thereby maintaining processing accuracy without compromising ease of assembly.
3Reliability
If an insertable adaptor column is used to prevent cross-contamination, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor column acts as a disposable or cleanable intermediary barrier between the vacuum manifold and the semi-permeable membrane column. This single intermediary component effectively prevents cross-contamination while adding minimal structural complexity, as it integrates the functions of both the tapered adapter and the receiving holder into one piece.
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 solution enhances the stability and accuracy of biological sample processing by maintaining an air-tight condition, preventing cross-contamination, and reducing operator discomfort, facilitating easier handling and potential automation in processing multiple samples.
Implementation Method 1
sealing elements made of resilient material to ensure a secure and air-tight connection
Implementation Method 2
By applying a positive or negative air pressure, the liquid is forced out of the columns through the semi-permeable membranes
Implementation Method 3
the liquid is forced out of the columns through the semi-permeable membranes
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for securely processing biological sample is used to wash, separate, or purify biological molecules, such as DNAs, RNAs, and proteins. The apparatus comprises at least one semi-permeable membrane column (11), a vacuum manifold (14), and at least one optional adaptor column (12). The semi-permeable membrane column is loosely received in the slot of the vacuum manifold. When the adaptor column is used, the semi-permeable membrane column is loosely received in the adaptor column, and the adaptor column is loosely received in the slot of the vacuum manifold. The apparatus also comprises sealing elements (125) which are inserted between the column and the slot. When the semi-permeable membrane column (11) contains liquid sample and vacuum is applied to the vacuum manifold, the liquid in the semi-permeable membrane column can be drawn out of the column through the membrane. When compared with conventional apparatuses, the assembling and disassembling of the apparatus of the present invention are more convenient and the safety of operation can be enhanced.