Bio-analysis Cartridge Smart Key Tracking and Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DNA analysis procedures using capillary electrophoresis are time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors due to manual tracking of cartridge information and potential damage to the separation support medium during storage, which affects the reliability and accuracy of DNA analysis.
Innovation Solution
A reusable capillary cartridge with a built-in non-volatile rewritable memory 'smart key' for automatic tracking of cartridge data, including usage history and content integrity, and a modular interface that protects the cartridge from damage and drying, ensuring accurate and efficient DNA analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tracking of cartridge information is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of data tracking deteriorates due to potential errors and omissions
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge's smart key automatically tracks and updates its own usage information (number of uses, storage duration) without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors and self-reports cartridge status, eliminating human error while maintaining simple operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual tracking mechanisms (physical labels, paper logs) are replaced with electronic memory storage in the smart key. The mechanical/manual process of recording data is substituted with automatic electronic data storage and retrieval, improving reliability without significantly increasing user-facing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If separation support medium is exposed during storage, then ease of operation is improved for cartridge reuse, but the medium deteriorates due to drying and blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is prepared in advance by filling the reservoir with storage buffer before storage. This preliminary action ensures the capillary tips are already protected when stored, preventing drying and blockage without requiring additional steps during retrieval or reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage buffer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the separation support medium and the environment. This buffer layer prevents direct exposure to air, eliminating drying and blockage issues while allowing the cartridge to be stored with tips accessible for future use.
3Loss of substance
If cartridge is designed for reuse, then loss of substance is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential damage and deterioration of contents
Solution Approach 1:
Protective measures are implemented in advance: the reservoir is designed to prevent evaporation, and storage buffer is added before storage. These cushioning measures protect the separation support medium from deterioration during storage, ensuring reliability is maintained throughout the cartridge's reusable lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical environment is changed by introducing storage buffer with appropriate pH and composition. This parameter change creates conditions that preserve the separation support medium during storage, preventing deterioration while allowing reuse. The buffer composition is optimized to maintain medium integrity over multiple uses.
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 solution enables reliable, efficient, and cost-effective DNA analysis by automating data tracking and protecting the cartridge's content, reducing errors and extending the cartridge's lifespan, while ensuring accurate and efficient DNA analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A reusable capillary cartridge with a built-in non-volatile rewritable memory 'smart key' for automatic tracking of cartridge data
Implementation Method 2
One type of DNA analysis instrument separates DNA molecules by relying on electrophoresis. Electrophoresis techniques could be used to separate fragments of DNA for genotyping applications
Implementation Method 3
These DNA fragments in CE are often detected by directing light through the capillary wall, at the components separating from the sample that has been tagged with a fluorescence material, and detecting the fluorescence emissions induced by the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable bio-analysis cartridge that includes a built-in mechanism to track various parameters and usage data. The tracking mechanism includes a non-volatile rewritable memory “smart-key” that is associated with the cartridge to provide automatic tracking dedicated to the cartridge. The key may be physically coupled to the cartridge with good high voltage insulating properties. When the cartridge is used in an instrument, the associated key is inserted into an I/O interface to communicate with the instrument. The instrument may be configured to “authenticate” the cartridge and conduct an integrity check to determine if the particular cartridge has the correct properties (e.g., gel-chemistry, serial no., Patient I.D.) for the particular sample analysis to be conducted. Further, the instrument may communicate/record information concerning usage of the cartridge (e.g., usage history, test parameters, and perhaps test results). Such information provides an update to the stored information from the previous use of the cartridge.