Capillary Array Holder with Curved and Linear Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing capillary arrays in electrophoresis apparatuses tend to hang down due to their weight, particularly those with low rigidity, leading to potential breakage during attachment and detachment, requiring users to manually bend the capillaries, which is cumbersome and risky.
Innovation Solution
A capillary array unit with a holder system that includes a first holding section for curving the capillary, a second holding section for linear support, and guides for moving the second section, preventing the capillaries from hanging and allowing for easy attachment and detachment without bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a capillary array with low rigidity is used, then the capillary can be more flexible and easier to handle, but the capillary hangs down noticeably due to weight, leading to potential breakage and requiring manual bending operations
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple sections: a first holding section with a curved shape to support the hanging portion of the capillary, a second holding section with a linear shape to support the upper portion, and a guide section. This segmentation allows each part to address specific operational challenges independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary device between the capillary array and the apparatus. It provides the necessary support and guidance, eliminating the need for users to manually bend the capillaries while still allowing flexible capillary arrays to be used.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid capillary array is used, then the capillary maintains its shape and does not hang down, but the capillary array cannot be easily attached and detached without risking breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates a movable second holding section that can slide along the guide. This dynamic structure allows the holder to adapt during attachment and detachment operations, facilitating easy installation and removal while maintaining capillary shape stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the holder provide different types of support: the first holding section provides curved support for the hanging portion, the second holding section provides linear support for the upper portion, and the guide provides directional movement. This local differentiation of support characteristics optimizes both stability and ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual bending of capillaries is required for attachment, then the capillary can be positioned correctly, but the operation becomes burdensome and increases the risk of breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is pre-configured with the appropriate curved and linear sections to provide the necessary support and positioning. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform manual bending operations, achieving both precise positioning and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder structure itself performs the positioning function that previously required manual user intervention. The curved first holding section automatically supports the capillary in the correct position, and the guide ensures proper alignment during attachment, making the system self-positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a capillary array unit configured to facilitate attaching/detaching operation. A capillary array unit includes a capillary, a load header provided at one end of the capillary, a capillary head provided at the other end of the capillary, a detection section provided at a portion of the capillary, and a holder holding the capillary. The holder includes a first holding section holding the capillary in a curved shape, a second holding section linearly holding the capillary, and a guide to move the second holding section in a predetermined direction.