Handheld Biological Sample Prep Device with Cam-Driven Plungers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing biological sample preparation processes for DNA testing are complex, require skilled personnel, and involve expensive equipment, making them time-consuming and inaccessible for lay users.
Innovation Solution
A hand-operated biological sample preparation device with a housing, fluid dispensers, and a user-actuated mechanism using concentric circular cam tracks to translate rotational motion into sequential and simultaneous plunger movements for mixing samples and reagents, allowing for efficient preparation of biological samples without specialized skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step laboratory processes are used for biological sample preparation, then testing accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the complex sample preparation process into distinct functional modules: sample collection chamber, reagent reservoirs, mixing chamber, and filtration system. Each module performs a specific function (cell lysis, reagent addition, mixing, particulate removal), allowing the overall complex process to be managed through simple modular components that can be sequentially activated
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single handheld unit: sample collection, cell lysis through mechanical agitation, reagent mixing, and particulate filtration. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate laboratory equipment for each step, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining testing reliability
2Productivity
If automated batch testing processes are used, then processing speed improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic manual mixing mechanism where the user rotates a mixing chamber to agitate and combine reagents with the sample. This dynamic mechanical action replaces complex automated mixing systems while achieving effective reagent integration through simple rotational motion that creates turbulent mixing
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables the user to perform the mixing function themselves through simple rotational manipulation of the mixing chamber. This self-service approach eliminates the need for automated mixing mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining processing speed through direct user engagement in the mixing process
3Measurement precision
If centrifugation equipment is used for particulate separation, then separation efficiency improves, but device complexity and operational skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a disposable filtration element that physically traps particulate matter as reagents and sample pass through it. This single-use filter replaces complex, expensive centrifugation equipment, providing effective particulate separation without requiring specialized equipment or skilled operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts and removes the centrifugation function by implementing a standalone filtration system. The filtration element is taken out as a separate, simple component that physically removes particulates through mechanical filtration rather than requiring rotational centrifugal force, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining separation efficiency
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple reagents are added manually through pipetting, then dosing precision can be controlled, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple reagent delivery functions into a single integrated mixing chamber where all reagents are combined simultaneously. The user performs one mixing action that integrates all reagents at once, replacing the sequential time-consuming process of individual pipetting operations while maintaining dosing precision through pre-measured reagent compartments
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
Enables simple, inexpensive, and rapid biological sample preparation, reducing the need for skilled operators and expensive equipment, while ensuring accurate mixing and handling of samples and reagents, facilitating quicker diagnostic results.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism to translate movement of the member into a preset combination of sequential and simultaneous movements of the fluid dispensers, in order to mix the sample and reagents. The user actuated member is a cap rotatably coupled to the housing and said mechanism has concentric circular cam tracks which translate the rotating motion of the cap into sequential and simultaneous movements of the plungers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A biological sample preparation device comprising a housing, a plurality of fluid dispensers located within the housing, a user actuated member coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing, and a mechanism to translate movement of the member into a preset combination of sequential and simultaneous movements of the fluid dispensers, in order to mix the sample and reagents.