Biochip Hybridization Carousel With Wobbling Motion and Thermostatic Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biochip hybridization and washing devices face inefficiencies due to poor hybridization efficiency, high coefficient of variation in quantification analysis, and the need for external thermostatic environments, which also result in buffer leakage and the requirement for additional washing devices.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a carousel with a translational and revolving movement controller, a heating chamber, and a photoelectric sensor to maintain a horizontal position, allowing for controlled three-dimensional motion and thermostatic conditions for biochip hybridization and washing, eliminating the need for external temperature control and additional washing apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a carrier platform with periodic motion is used for hybridization, then buffer flow is improved, but the device requires external thermostatic environment and additional washing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hybridization chamber and washing chamber into a single integrated device. The hybridization chamber includes a carrier platform for hybridization, while the washing chamber can receive the same carrier platform after hybridization. This merging eliminates the need for separate external washing equipment and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining hybridization efficiency through the periodic motion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier platform serves multiple functions: it holds the biochip during hybridization, enables buffer flow through periodic motion, and is subsequently used in the washing chamber for buffer removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If the carrier platform is tilted during hybridization to facilitate buffer flow, then buffer circulation is improved, but buffer leakage occurs when the device is not in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier platform is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a tilted position during hybridization (to facilitate buffer flow) and a horizontal position during storage or non-operation (to prevent buffer leakage). The platform can be rotated or adjusted in angle, allowing it to adapt its orientation based on operational requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between buffer flow and buffer containment.
3Temperature
If external water bath is used for temperature control, then thermostatic conditions are achieved, but the device requires additional external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The heating chamber is integrated directly into the hybridization chamber, eliminating the need for external water baths. The heating chamber can be positioned below or adjacent to the hybridization chamber, providing direct thermal control to the carrier platform and biochip. This integration reduces the number of external equipment pieces and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 hybridization efficiency, reduces buffer leakage, and integrates washing capabilities within the device, providing a cost-effective and convenient method for biochip hybridization and washing under thermostatic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The revolving movement controller comprises a photoelectric sensor, wherein the photoelectric sensor senses the stop of the revolving movement controller
Implementation Method 2
a device for biochip hybridization or washing... optionally under thermostatic conditions... heating chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A device for biochip hybridization or washing is provided, which comprises a carousel (12), a translational movement controller, a revolving movement controller, and optionally a heating chamber (13). The revolving movement controller controls the revolving movement of the carousel and allows it to move in a wobbling fashion, allowing liquid movement of the hybridization or washing boxes (11) during hybridization and/or washing of biochips on the carousel. The translational movement controller brings the carousel back to horizontal position once the revolving movement controller stops, thereby ensures that the liquid do not spill out. The heating chamber circulates hot air within the device, thereby ensures that the hybridization and washing in a thermostatic condition.