Capillary Seal Protrusions for Condensation Control in Sample Tube Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sample processing protocols, such as the QIAGEN Hybrid Capture 2 assay, are challenging to automate due to steps like pellet observation, decanting, and denaturing, which are not readily amenable to automated systems, and may not be comparable to manual processes, raising concerns about regulatory compliance and test accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sample tube array system with a cover featuring protrusions for capillary sealing, integrated into an automated processing module that includes centrifugation, mixing, heating, and vision inspection to automate manual steps like pellet formation verification and denaturing, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual sample processing protocols are used, then processing accuracy and compliance with established methods are maintained, but automation is not achievable and processing time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an automated copying system where vision inspection devices capture images of manual processing steps (pellet formation, decanting, denaturing) and use image recognition algorithms to replicate the visual assessment criteria. This allows automated systems to copy the decision-making process of manual protocols without requiring physical replication of manual actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical manual operations with automated devices equipped with vision inspection capabilities. Instead of manual observation and decision-making, the system uses cameras, lighting, and image processing algorithms to detect and assess sample characteristics, substituting the mechanical human operator with an automated optical detection system.
2Ease of operation
If manual steps like pellet observation and decanting are performed, then processing accuracy is maintained, but these steps are not readily amenable to automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vision inspection devices as intermediary tools between the sample processing steps and the automated system's decision-making process. These devices capture visual information about pellet formation and decanting operations, translating physical sample characteristics into digital images that can be analyzed by automated algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color and optical property changes in the sample during processing (such as pellet formation visible through tube walls, liquid clarity changes during decanting, and color transformations during denaturing) as detectable parameters. The vision inspection system monitors these optical changes to verify that processing steps are occurring correctly.
3Quantity of substance
If smaller portions of each sample are used, then more tests can be performed on a single sample, but sample processing requirements become even stricter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service features where the automated system with vision inspection automatically monitors and verifies processing steps, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing human error. The system performs self-verification of pellet formation, decanting completeness, and denaturing progress, ensuring consistent precision even with small sample volumes.
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
The automated system effectively processes biological samples with precision and consistency, mimicking manual protocols while ensuring regulatory compliance and reducing the need for multiple sample collections, thereby improving efficiency and reliability in HPV detection and other assays.
Implementation Method 1
a gap sized to create a capillary seal in the presence of a liquid contained in the respective sample tube
Implementation Method 2
The pelleting/decanting step involves a number of substeps. First, a predetermined amount of sample conversion buffer
Data Source
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AI summary
A cover for covering an array of sample tubes during an incubation process. The cover has an upper panel and protrusions extending downward from the upper panel. Each protrusion has an upper seal and a lower seal. The upper seal includes a first conical section that tapers from a first diameter that is larger than the inside diameter of a corresponding sample tube to a second diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the corresponding sample tube. The lower seal includes a cylindrical section extending downward from the bottom of the first conical section. The cylindrical section has a diameter selected to create a capillary seal, in the presence of a liquid, between the cylindrical section and an adjacent portion of an inner wall of the corresponding sample tube.