Dynamic Nucleic Acid Amplification Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleic acid amplification detection devices are limited by batch processing, preventing the simultaneous analysis of samples with different test items, reagents, and temperature programs, leading to long standby times and inability to add new samples during analysis.
Innovation Solution
A nucleic acid amplification detection device with a loading unit, thermoregulation unit, and measurement unit that allows for the concurrent analysis of multiple samples with different conditions using a common loading and measurement unit, enabling the addition of new samples without interrupting ongoing analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batch processing is used for nucleic acid amplification analysis, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases due to inability to add samples during analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sample loading system where the sample loading unit can accept and process samples at different stages of the amplification protocol. The control unit dynamically adjusts the temperature cycle parameters for different samples based on their position in the processing queue, allowing new samples to be added without interrupting ongoing analysis while maintaining optimized temperature profiles for each sample type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the amplification process into separable stages that can be independently controlled. Different samples can be assigned to different temperature cycle protocols simultaneously within the same device, with the control unit managing multiple temperature regions to apply different protocols to different samples without interference, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a fixed temperature cycle protocol is used for all samples, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases due to inability to handle samples with different test items, reagents, and temperature programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal amplification device that can handle multiple sample types with different requirements. The control unit provides multi-functionality by selecting and applying different temperature cycle protocols from a library of predefined protocols, allowing the same physical device to perform PCR, NASBA, and other amplification methods with varying temperature programs, reagent conditions, and detection parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the control unit to dynamically adjust temperature cycle parameters such as denaturation temperature, annealing temperature, extension temperature, cycle numbers, and holding times based on the specific sample type and protocol selected. This enables the device to adapt to different test items and reagents without requiring physical reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If samples are processed sequentially in a batch, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to long standby times when no new samples can be added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by allowing the device to maintain amplification processes for multiple samples simultaneously at different stages. When one sample completes its protocol, the system automatically transitions to processing the next sample without idle standby time, keeping the thermoregulation and detection units continuously engaged in productive work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-warming or pre-cooling reaction chambers and preparing reagent systems in advance based on the scheduled sample queue. The control unit anticipates upcoming protocol changes and begins adjusting temperature parameters before samples are fully loaded, reducing transition time between samples and eliminating standby periods.
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
This configuration reduces standby time, allows for immediate testing of emergency samples, and enables parallel analysis of samples with varying conditions, improving overall testing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
PCR requires a temperature cycle of periodically varying the temperature of a sample by setting a plurality of temperature regions
Implementation Method 2
controls the temperature of the entire plate to be uniform
Implementation Method 3
a detection process for measurement (for example, fluorescent measurement) of nucleic acid amplification
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2-1
Figure 2-2~2-3
AI summary
A device for detecting nucleic acid amplification in a sample, comprising: a loading unit (thermoregulation unit) which is provided with a plurality of holes for loading reaction containers and capable of arbitrarily controlling a measurement unit for measuring samples in the containers that are loaded in the holes. The loading unit and the measurement unit, which are placed opposite to each other, can be operated independently from each other. In a transfer operation, the operation speeds of the thermoregulation unit and measurement unit are controlled so that the sum of these speeds amounts to an arbitrary constant value.