Homogenizer Storage Cooler Magnetic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing homogenizers face challenges in maintaining tissue sample temperature during the homogenization process, leading to potential thermal denaturation of proteins and inaccurate measurements, as they require separate cooling and handling steps before and during homogenization.
Innovation Solution
A homogenizer system that integrates a storage cooler capable of cooling the sample container before and during the homogenization process, featuring a removable cooler that can be slid into the main body, with magnetic alignment and detection mechanisms to ensure proper positioning and operation, allowing for efficient cooling and homogenization without manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a blender homogenizing tool is used to homogenize tissue, then the homogenization process can be completed, but the temperature of the tissue is elevated due to heat generated by friction, causing thermal denaturation of proteins
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue sample is cooled in advance before homogenization by placing it in a container with ice or a cooling device. This preliminary cooling action prevents temperature elevation during the subsequent homogenization process, thereby avoiding thermal denaturation of proteins while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling medium (ice, coolant, or refrigerated chamber) is introduced as an intermediary between the tissue sample and the external environment. This intermediary absorbs heat generated during homogenization, maintaining tissue temperature and preventing thermal denaturation without interfering with the homogenization process itself.
2Temperature
If separate cooling steps are performed before and during homogenization, then tissue temperature can be maintained, but the handling complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function and homogenization function are merged into a single integrated system. The homogenizer is equipped with a cooling device (refrigerated chamber, ice compartment, or coolant circulation system) that operates simultaneously with the homogenization process, eliminating the need for separate cooling steps and reducing handling complexity while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The homogenizer device is designed with multi-functionality, combining both homogenization and cooling capabilities in one unit. This universal design allows the device to perform both functions simultaneously, reducing the number of separate operations required and simplifying the overall handling process while ensuring continuous temperature control.
3Temperature
If the tissue is cooled in a separate container before homogenization, then thermal denaturation can be prevented, but the operator must manually move the specimen and handle multiple containers
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling container and homogenization container are merged into a single integrated chamber. The tissue sample remains in the same container throughout the process, eliminating the need for manual transfer between containers. The cooling device and homogenization mechanism operate simultaneously within this unified space, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining temperature control.
4Temperature
If cooling is performed during homogenization, then temperature control is maintained, but the cooling medium may interfere with the homogenization process
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conductive but chemically inert medium (such as water, saline, or specialized coolant) is used as an intermediary for heat transfer. This cooling medium effectively conducts heat away from the tissue sample while being chemically compatible with biological samples, preventing interference with the homogenization process or tissue integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between cooling elements and tissue with a thermal conduction-based cooling system. Instead of direct mechanical cooling that may cause interference, a thermal conduction medium transfers heat away from the tissue, achieving temperature control without mechanical interference with the homogenization 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 integrated system effectively maintains sample temperature, preventing thermal denaturation and simplifying the cooling process, ensuring accurate measurements and efficient homogenization of multiple samples simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling section (45) for cooling the sample container (5) held by the holding section (46)
Implementation Method 2
the main body and the storage cooler respectively have a magnet; and when the storage cooler is at the homogenizing position, the magnet of the main body and the magnet of the storage cooler are mutually attractive
Data Source
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AI summary
A homogenizer, for homogenizing a tissue sample collected from a living body, comprising: a main body; and a storage cooler, comprising a container holder for holding a sample container, configured to cool a tissue sample in the sample container held by the container holder, the storage cooler being detachably installed to the main body, wherein the main body has a blender for crushing the tissue sample in the sample container held in the storage cooler is disclosed.