Electroblotting Cassette with Adjustable Electrode Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electroblotting methods, such as semi-dry blotting, face challenges in accommodating transfer stacks of varying thicknesses and require complex setups for electrode positioning and cleaning, which can hinder efficient and flexible operation.

Innovation Solution

The electroblotting cassette features a base with manually releasable latches and adjustable lower electrode plate heights, allowing for easy cleaning and accommodation of different stack thicknesses, along with guides for secure insertion into an electroblotting instrument, ensuring consistent and adaptable electroblotting processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electrode positioning system is made complex to accommodate transfer stacks of varying thicknesses, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of transfer stacks of varying thicknessesVSAvoidcomplex setups for electrode positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower electrode plate is made movable and adjustable in height relative to the base, allowing dynamic repositioning to accommodate different transfer stack thicknesses. The plate can be moved vertically along guide rails and secured at different positions, providing adaptability without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode system is divided into separate upper and lower electrode plates that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each plate to be optimized and adjusted separately, simplifying the overall positioning system while maintaining adaptability to various stack thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the electrodes are permanently mounted on plates, then the structural stability improves, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stability of electrode mountingVSAvoidcleaning and replacement of electrodes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cassette is divided into separable components: the upper plate with upper electrode, the lower plate with lower electrode, and the base. This segmentation allows electrodes to be firmly mounted on their respective plates for stability, while the plates themselves can be easily removed from the base for cleaning or electrode replacement, thus maintaining both structural stability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the upper plate height is fixed to ensure stability, then the reliability improves, but the adaptability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistent electroblotting performanceVSAvoidaccommodation of different stack thicknesses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The height adjustment capability is assigned specifically to the lower electrode plate, while the upper plate maintains a fixed height relative to the base. This segmentation of functions ensures that the upper electrode position remains consistent for reliable electroblotting, while the lower electrode can be adjusted to accommodate different stack thicknesses, thus maintaining both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances the flexibility and efficiency of electroblotting by allowing for easy adjustment of electrode positions, facilitating the use of transfer stacks of various thicknesses and simplifying the cleaning process, thereby improving the overall blotting performance and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

Proteins, nucleic acids, or other biological species that have been electrophoretically separated in an slab gel are often transferred to a membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 2

One widely used transfer technique is electroblotting, in which the flat surfaces of the gel and membrane are placed in full direct contact and an electric current is passed through them

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroblotting: Electrophoretic Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP2398819B1Electroblotting cassette with manually releasable electrodes of adjustable spacing

Publication Date: 2014.07.02 BIO RAD LABORATORIES INC

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AI summary

An electroblotting comprising an upper plate, a lower plate, and a base that receives both plates, with electrodes mounted on both the upper and lower plates. The cassette accommodates transfer stacks of different thicknesses by its inclusion of a set of raised areas, known as "lands", on the floor of the base and a set of inverse lands on the underside of the lower electrode plate, the two sets being spatially arranged to either abut each other or be offset from each other, depending on the orientation of the lower plate, thereby allowing the user a choice between two heights of the lower plate within the base and hence two thicknesses of transfer stacks. More than one set of lands on one or both parts allows for three or more thickness selections, or depressions in place of lands. Finger-operated latches secure the upper plate to the base.