Breakable Member Mechanism for Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleic acid extraction and purification methods require manual pipetting, which increases operator workload and rely on large, heavy, and costly automated instruments for automation, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A nucleic acid extraction and purification device featuring a purification column with a breakable member and piercing rod, allowing for automated liquid transfer without manual pipetting, and a biochemical molecule extraction device with a liquid temporary blocking mechanism for rapid and simple liquid transfer, reducing the need for manual or robotic assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual pipetting is used for nucleic acid extraction, then the extraction process can be performed with simple equipment, but the operator workload increases and accuracy requirements become higher
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable member automatically breaks under its own weight or with minimal assistance to enable liquid transfer, eliminating the need for manual pipetting operations. The system serves itself by using the breakable member's structural design to achieve the transfer function without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakable member acts as an intermediary component between the liquid storage and the purification column. It mediates the liquid transfer process by breaking to allow liquid flow, replacing the need for manual or robotic pipetting while maintaining equipment simplicity.
2Extent of automation
If automated robotic arms or mechanical pipettes are used for nucleic acid extraction, then manual labor is replaced and automation is achieved, but the instrument volume becomes large, mass becomes heavy, and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential automation function from complex robotic systems and implements it through a simple breakable member mechanism. By taking out only the necessary liquid transfer function and implementing it through a minimal structure, the system achieves automation without the heavy mass and large volume of traditional robotic arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakable member is designed as a simple, potentially disposable component that replaces expensive, heavy robotic systems. By using a cheap, simple structure that performs the automation function and can be discarded or replaced, the system achieves high automation extent without increasing instrument mass.
3Extent of automation
If automated robotic arms or mechanical pipettes are used for nucleic acid extraction, then manual labor is replaced, but the efficiency and cost-effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction process into distinct functional components, with the breakable member handling only the liquid transfer function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving overall productivity by eliminating the inefficiencies of complex robotic systems while maintaining automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a nucleic acid extraction and purification device and a biochemical molecule extraction and purification device, belonging to the field of experimental supplies. Both devices have the functionality of a test tube, and thus can hold a liquid to perform preprocessing extraction and purification of nucleic acids or biochemical molecules such as nucleic acids, i.e. achieving a process of cell rupture. Furthermore, both devices can quickly and easily transfer liquid to the extraction membrane, achieving the extraction and purification of nucleic acids or biochemical molecules such as nucleic acids. Furthermore, the two devices do not need to manually fit with a pipettor during the process of liquid transfer or use an automated robotic arm and a mechanical pipettor to complete the process of liquid transfer.