Molecular Extraction Robot Cover Handling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic devices for DNA extraction processes face challenges in efficiently loading and moving covers during the nucleic acid extraction process, particularly in handling micro-beads and maintaining effective magnetic attraction for DNA fragment collection.
Innovation Solution
A robotic device with a support structure and a head that moves along Cartesian axes, equipped with a gripping and transport structure featuring elongated cylindrical elements with permanent magnets, allowing for precise handling and transport of disposable covers to facilitate DNA extraction and washing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robotic device is used for DNA extraction, then automation and productivity are improved, but the complexity of handling covers and micro-beads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device divides the handling function into separate modules: a gripping structure for covers and a separate transport structure for micro-beads. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary magnetic field generation system that mediates between the robotic manipulator and the micro-beads. This magnetic field acts as a mediator to guide and position micro-beads without direct mechanical contact, simplifying the gripping mechanism while maintaining precise control.
2Manufacturing precision
If magnetic attraction is used to collect DNA fragments, then separation efficiency is improved, but maintaining effective magnetic attraction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generation system is designed to be dynamic and adjustable, allowing real-time modification of magnetic field strength and distribution. This enables the system to adapt to varying conditions during the extraction process, maintaining reliable magnetic attraction for DNA fragment collection while ensuring efficient separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the magnetic field (strength, direction, distribution) to optimize DNA fragment collection. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains effective magnetic attraction across different stages of the extraction process, ensuring both separation efficiency and reliability.
3Device complexity
If covers are moved manually, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and handling efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a cover gripping device and a transport mechanism. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions (gripping, transporting, positioning) without requiring separate specialized components, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving productivity.
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 efficient loading and moving of covers to manage micro-beads and nucleic acid extraction, ensuring effective separation and purification of DNA fragments by maintaining magnetic attraction and facilitating washing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The micro-beads are released into the solution so that the nucleic acid molecules deposit on their surface and are subsequently picked up using a permanent magnet since the micro-beads are made of a material which is magnetically attracted
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot for loading and moving covers that may be used in a process for extracting molecules, in particular DNA, comprising: a head (5) moving in a three-dimensional space with respect to a support surface of the device under the thrust of actuators controlled by an electronic unit (7); a gripping and transport structure (9) carried by the head (5) adapted to pick up/use/unload a plurality of disposable covers (10), each comprising a tubular element (10-t) adapted to cover an elongated element (12) belonging to an array of elongated elements of the gripping and transport structure.