Array Plate Inspection Layout for Parallel Reagent Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection devices for array plates face limitations in throughput due to complex liquid supply and discharge systems, requiring multiple devices and mechanisms, which increase size and complexity, and result in inefficient parallel processing of reaction and measurement steps.
Innovation Solution
An inspection device with a simple configuration that includes a mounting part, liquid supply area, relay area, and conveyance parts to perform liquid supply, reaction, and measurement steps in parallel, allowing simultaneous execution of these processes on multiple plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple liquid supply devices and discharge devices are provided corresponding to the number of flow cells to be processed in parallel, then the throughput in inspection is improved, but the inspection device is increased in size and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
A single liquid supply device and discharge device are designed to serve multiple flow cells through a flow channel switching mechanism. The liquid supply device can selectively supply different liquid reagents to different flow cells, and the discharge device can discharge liquids from any flow cell, enabling one device to perform the functions of multiple devices while maintaining high throughput parallel processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
A flow channel switching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the liquid supply/discharge devices and the multiple flow cells. This switching mechanism routes liquid reagents to the appropriate flow cells and directs discharge operations from specific flow cells to the single discharge device, enabling parallel processing without requiring multiple dedicated supply and discharge devices for each flow cell
2Productivity
If a liquid supply/discharge mechanism including a number of flow channel switching functions is provided, then parallel processing capability is improved, but the inspection device is increased in size and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow channel switching functions are merged into a single integrated flow channel switching mechanism. This unified switching mechanism can simultaneously or sequentially control liquid flow to multiple flow cells, combining the functionality of what would otherwise require separate switching mechanisms for each flow cell, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining parallel processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel switching mechanism is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple flow channels and different liquid reagents through a single device. It can switch between different flow cells and different liquid supply sources, performing the roles of multiple specialized switching devices with a single multi-functional unit
3Adaptability or versatility
If processes for supplying and discharging liquid reagents require a detachment/attachment step for liquid supply/discharge systems and flow cells, then flexibility in system configuration is improved, but the throughput in loading is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Liquid reagents are pre-loaded into reservoirs that are integrated with or readily attachable to the flow cells before the inspection process begins. The flow cells are pre-configured with their required liquid reagents or connected to reservoirs containing the necessary reagents, eliminating the need for repeated detachment and attachment operations during the inspection process, thereby maintaining flexibility while improving loading throughput
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
The device enables efficient, space-saving, and high-throughput inspection by allowing parallel execution of liquid supply and reaction steps, reducing device complexity and footprint while maintaining effective processing of biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorescence detection optical system includes a function for detecting the amount of fluorescence light from spots labeled by a fluorescence probe
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection device including a measurement part, a liquid supply area where a liquid supply step is performed, a relay area where a plate for which a reaction step has been completed is located, and a mounting part on which a plurality of plates is mounted at different positions, includes a first conveyance part configured to move the mounting part to locate a plate selected from among the plurality of plates mounted on the mounting part in the liquid supply area and the relay area at different times, a second conveyance part configured to convey the selected plate located on the relay area to the measurement part, wherein the liquid supply step, which is performed on the selected plate, includes at least a period in which the liquid supply step is performed in parallel with the reaction step, which is performed on at least one of the plates other than the selected plate from among the plurality of plates.