Ultrasonic DNA Fragmentation Device with Ball Joint Suspension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA segmentation devices are limited by the need for specific containers to generate and transmit ultrasonic waves, which increases costs and time due to sample transfer, and can only process a maximum of 8 samples simultaneously, while standard containers and increased sample capacity are desired for enhanced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tank for generating ultrasonic waves and a suspension system using a ball joint to create a homogeneous ultrasonic field in standard containers, such as plates with multiple wells, allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple DNA samples without the need for specific containers, thereby reducing parasitic wave transmission and maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific containers are used to generate and transmit ultrasonic waves, then ultrasonic wave generation is effective, but device cost increases and sample transfer time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device accepts standard microplates that can be used in multiple contexts (transport, storage, and ultrasonic processing) rather than requiring specialized containers. The ultrasonic wave generation system is designed to work with the universal standard microplate format, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized containers and the associated sample transfer steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the liquid medium in the tank as an intermediary to transmit ultrasonic waves directly to the samples in standard containers. This eliminates the need for the container itself to generate or transmit ultrasonic waves, allowing standard containers to be used while maintaining effective ultrasonic processing through the liquid coupling medium.
2Reliability
If specific containers are used for ultrasonic wave transmission, then ultrasonic processing is effective, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes inexpensive, disposable standard microplates that are already widely available in laboratories, rather than requiring expensive specialized containers. This approach reduces both the device manufacturing cost and the ongoing operational cost of consumables.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing the ultrasonic processing system to work with universal standard microplates rather than proprietary containers, the device avoids the cost of specialized container manufacturing and leverages the existing infrastructure of standard laboratory耗材.
3Strength
If ultrasonic waves are transmitted through support elements, then structural support is provided, but parasitic wave transmission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the support function from the ultrasonic wave transmission path by using a suspension system that mechanically supports the container without transmitting ultrasonic waves. The support elements are positioned or designed to minimize their interaction with the ultrasonic field, separating the structural support function from the acoustic transmission function.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid medium serves as an intermediary that transmits ultrasonic waves to the samples without requiring solid support elements in the acoustic path. This eliminates the parasitic wave transmission that would occur through solid support structures while maintaining adequate mechanical support through the suspension system.
4Manufacturing precision
If the number of simultaneous samples is limited to maintain ultrasonic field homogeneity, then strand length homogeneity is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device processes multiple samples simultaneously by segmenting the ultrasonic field across the entire microplate array. Each well in the microplate receives ultrasonic energy independently through the liquid coupling medium, allowing parallel processing of many samples while maintaining uniform processing conditions across all samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replicates the ultrasonic processing conditions across all sample wells simultaneously by using the liquid medium to distribute ultrasonic energy uniformly throughout the tank. This creates identical processing environments for all samples at once, maintaining strand length homogeneity while dramatically increasing throughput compared to sequential processing.
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 the simultaneous segmentation of multiple DNA samples in standard containers, maintaining process duration and strand homogeneity, while reducing costs and increasing productivity by creating a homogeneous ultrasonic field without the need for specific containers.
Implementation Method 1
the tank being equipped with an ultrasonic wave generation means for propagating ultrasonic waves through the liquid
Implementation Method 2
The suspension element forming a ball joint substantially attenuates the transmission of unwanted ultrasonic waves from the first support element to the second support element thanks to a damping effect of the ball joint
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for the fragmentation of DNA samples (A) that are in solution in a container (C), said device (1) comprising: - a vessel (2) for receiving a liquid (L), the vessel (2) being provided with means for producing ultrasonic waves (3) so as to spread ultrasonic waves through the liquid (L); and - a first support element (4) resting on the vessel (2), the device (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a second support element (5) having a passage (50) designed to receive the container (C), the second support element (5) being suspended by at least one suspension element (6) forming at least one swivel joint, such that a lower portion of the container (C) can be immersed in the liquid (L).