Capillary Electrophoresis Autosampler Layout for Faster Sample Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophoresis devices require long transport times due to the use of a single transport stage, leading to time-consuming processing.
Innovation Solution
The electrophoresis device incorporates two separate autosamplers, a sample autosampler and a buffer autosampler, allowing simultaneous transport and replacement of sample containers during electrophoresis, with a control unit managing their movements to expedite processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single transport stage is used to move sample containers and buffer containers, then the device structure is simple, but the transport time is long and processing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The single transport stage is divided into two independent autosamplers: a first autosampler for sample containers and a second autosampler for buffer containers. This segmentation allows parallel operation of sample and buffer transport, eliminating the sequential bottleneck and significantly improving processing efficiency without requiring a completely new complex system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of transporting sample containers and buffer containers into a coordinated dual-autosampler system that operates simultaneously. By merging the transport functions while maintaining independence, the system achieves parallel processing capability, reducing overall processing time while keeping the device structure manageable through functional integration.
2Loss of time
If a single transport stage is used to replace sample containers during electrophoresis, then the device structure is simple, but the replacement time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The transport function is segmented into two independent autosamplers that can operate simultaneously - one dedicated to sample container handling and another to buffer container handling. This allows sample container replacement to occur in parallel with buffer container replacement, dramatically reducing the total time required for container exchanges during electrophoresis.
Solution Approach 2:
The autosamplers are designed to pre-position sample containers in a ready state before electrophoresis begins. During the electrophoresis process, the system can immediately exchange sample containers without waiting for buffer operations to complete, thereby reducing replacement time and maintaining continuous processing flow.
3Productivity
If sample processing is performed sequentially without replacement during electrophoresis, then the device operation is simple, but the overall processing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control units for the first autosampler, second autosampler, and electrophoresis unit. This segmentation enables coordinated parallel operation where sample and buffer containers are exchanged independently during electrophoresis, allowing continuous processing without sequential waiting and significantly improving electrophoresis processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-autosampler system maintains continuous useful action by enabling sample container replacement to occur during the electrophoresis process itself, rather than requiring sequential operations. The control system coordinates the timing to ensure that container exchanges happen during periods when the capillary is not actively separating samples, thereby maintaining continuous productive operation throughout the process.
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 enables rapid sample container replacement and processing, reducing overall processing time while preventing analysis performance deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
capillary electrophoresis is widely used as a technique for separating and analyzing biological samples such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophoresis device of the present disclosure includes: a capillary filled with a phoresis medium; a buffer container accommodating a buffer solution; a storage portion storing a sample container accommodating a sample; at least one autosampler transporting each of the sample container and the buffer container; and a control unit controlling driving of the autosampler, in which the control unit drives the autosampler such that, while the buffer container is disposed at a capillary position where one end portion of the capillary is positioned, the sample container is transported from the storage portion to a standby position near the capillary position, and, when the buffer container has been transported from the capillary position to the standby position, the sample container is transported from the standby position to the capillary position.