Automatic Gas Valve Container Holder for Polypeptide Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polypeptide synthesis systems need to handle over 20 different amino acids and require separation from air humidity, as amino acids in organic solvent are sensitive to moisture, necessitating a compact container holder with automatic gas control to maintain a controlled environment.
Innovation Solution
A container holder with a gas valve that automatically opens when a container is connected and closes when disconnected, ensuring a sealed environment by using a spring-urged pin mechanism and O-ring seal, allowing pressurization with an inert gas to prevent moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a container holder is used to store amino acids in organic solvent, then the amino acids can be handled and supplied for synthesis, but moisture from air humidity can ingress and contaminate the sensitive amino acids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inert atmosphere by introducing nitrogen gas into the container holder to create a moisture-free environment. The nitrogen gas displaces air humidity and maintains a controlled atmosphere that prevents moisture ingress to the amino acids stored in organic solvent, directly resolving the contamination issue while maintaining system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing means acts as an intermediary between the container and the external environment. It includes a passageway that allows nitrogen gas to reach the container interior while preventing moisture ingress, serving as a mediator that enables gas flow while blocking harmful moisture contamination.
2Loss of energy
If a gas valve is added to automatically control gas flow when containers are connected or disconnected, then gas consumption is reduced and contamination risks are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas valve operates automatically based on the presence or absence of a container in the holder, without requiring external control signals. The valve self-regulates gas flow by detecting whether a container is properly seated, opening when a container is present and closing when absent, thereby reducing gas consumption while maintaining simple operation through self-service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the mechanical interaction between the container positioning and the gas valve actuation. The valve responds to the physical state of container insertion, creating a feedback loop where the system automatically adjusts gas flow based on real-time container presence detection, minimizing waste while maintaining control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple container holders are arranged in a panel to supply over 20 different amino acids, then the synthesis system can handle diverse amino acid requirements, but the overall device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container holder panel is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple different container types and sizes. Each holder position can universally accept various container configurations, enabling the system to handle over 20 different amino acids with a single standardized panel design, thereby achieving high versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is segmented into multiple independent container holder positions, each capable of holding a separate amino acid container. This segmentation allows for modular arrangement where containers can be independently accessed and replaced, enabling efficient handling of diverse amino acids while maintaining an organized, space-efficient layout through systematic division of the panel into functional segments.
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
The solution effectively maintains a controlled environment for sensitive amino acids, ensuring they remain isolated from external humidity and enabling efficient polypeptide synthesis by automatically managing gas flow, reducing gas consumption, and minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-urged pin mechanism
Implementation Method 2
O-ring seal
Implementation Method 3
allowing pressurization with an inert gas to prevent moisture ingress
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a container holder 10, comprising a main body 12 which in turn comprises a gas inlet 16; a solution liquid outlet 18; a gas control valve 20 through which a gas enters the container 100 from the gas inlet; and a sealing means 22 for the container, which sealing means includes a passageway 24 for the input of gas and output of a solution in the container via an egress tube 19; wherein when the container is connected to the container holder through the sealing means, the gas control valve opens automatically, and when the container is disconnected the gas control valve is closed automatically. The invention further relates to a container panel 50 which includes two or more container holders. Also disclosed are methods of using these containers and container panels for synthesizing a polypeptide.