Automated PCR Container Opening Apparatus with Rotating Lid Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCR analysis methods require manual operator intervention for reagent adjustment and container opening/closing, leading to cumbersome operations, potential data variation, and limited versatility, making them difficult to perform in small medical institutions and inefficient for quick measurement.
Innovation Solution
An automated opening and closing apparatus for general-purpose containers using a rotating member with projections that apply force to the lid, allowing for controlled opening and closing without manual operation, integrated with a dispensing device for reagent dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for opening/closing containers and reagent adjustment, then the operator can perform operations, but the operations become cumbersome and time-consuming requiring skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The opening apparatus automatically opens the container lid by itself without requiring operator intervention. The rotating member with projections engages with the lid and rotates it open, while the holding device moves the container body to maintain proper positioning throughout the opening process
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of opening/closing containers by hand is replaced with an automated mechanical system consisting of a rotating member, holding device, and moving device that automatically performs the opening and closing operations
2Extent of automation
If automated all-in-one apparatus is used, then automation is achieved, but the apparatus cannot use commercially available containers reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The opening apparatus is designed to work with general-purpose commercially available containers rather than dedicated proprietary containers. The rotating member with projections and movable holding device can accommodate standard container shapes and sizes, enabling the system to use off-the-shelf containers and increasing versatility
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for container opening, then flexibility is maintained, but operator error and data variation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container opening operation is performed automatically by the opening apparatus without operator intervention, eliminating human error and variation. The system consistently applies the same opening force and motion through the rotating member and holding device mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The control device coordinates the rotating member and holding device to work in conjunction, providing automated control and consistency in the opening operation, reducing operator-induced variation in the process
Data Source
AI summary
An opening apparatus includes a temperature adjustment section that holds a container body of a PCR container, an opening/closing unit, a moving device, and a control device. The opening and closing unit includes: a rotating member that applies a force to a lid in a direction to open the lid as the rotating member rotates with a projection in contact with the lid in a closed state; and a motor that rotates the rotating member. The moving device moves the temperature adjustment section relative to the rotating member. In conjunction with driving and thus rotating the rotating member, the control device controls the moving device so that the PCR container moves horizontally in a direction from a hinge of the PCR container toward a flange of the PCR container.