Hook-Locked Sample Container Lid for High-Pressure Nucleic Acid Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleic acid extraction methods face issues with sample vapor leakage due to high internal pressures when heating samples to temperatures exceeding the boiling point, leading to incomplete reactions and sample loss.
Innovation Solution
A treatment apparatus with a container support portion and fixing portion engaged by hook portions, which receive and disperse the vapor pressure, preventing leakage and warpage, while allowing for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperature treatment (100°C or higher) is performed to extract nucleic acid from cells, then nucleic acid extraction efficiency is improved, but internal pressure in containers increases causing vapor leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The container lid portion is divided into multiple recessed parts corresponding to individual containers, with each recessed part independently accommodating and sealing a container. This segmentation allows localized pressure management for each container while maintaining overall system integrity during high-temperature treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to pressure management by creating recessed portions that extend downward from the lid surface. These recessed parts provide three-dimensional space for pressure relief, allowing the lid to deform vertically into the recesses rather than horizontally breaking the seal, thus maintaining seal integrity under pressure.
2Productivity
If high internal pressure is applied to containers during high-temperature treatment, then nucleic acid extraction is enhanced, but vapor leaks out of containers reducing sample amount
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of internal pressure (which causes vapor leakage) into a beneficial feature by designing recessed parts in the lid that actively accommodate pressure buildup. The pressure that would otherwise force vapor through the seal is instead directed into the recessed spaces, where it can be contained without compromising the seal or causing vapor loss.
3Reliability
If container lid portion is pressed by surface plate to maintain seal, then vapor leakage is prevented, but sample temperature does not reach expected level due to latent heat from evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The lid structure is segmented into multiple recessed parts, each independently managing pressure for individual containers. This allows the lid to locally deform into recesses to accommodate pressure without requiring uniform high compression force across the entire lid surface, thereby reducing energy loss from evaporation while maintaining seal integrity.
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 apparatus effectively curbs sample vapor leakage, ensuring complete reactions and efficient nucleic acid extraction by maintaining sample temperature and preventing container lid opening.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of hook portions inserted into the plurality of hole portions and engaging with edge portions of the plurality of hole portions are provided in the other of the container support portion and the container fixing portion
Implementation Method 2
a heat treatment device configured to perform heat treatment of a container accommodating a sample
Implementation Method 3
If a gap is generated in a part of a container lid portion due to an internal pressure, vapor of a sample leaks out of a container
Data Source
AI summary
A container (30) includes a plurality of accommodation portions (310) accommodating the sample, and a lid portion (320) closing the plurality of accommodation portions (310). The treatment apparatus (6) includes a container support portion (41) configured to support the plurality of accommodation portions (310), and a container fixing portion (42) configured to overlap the lid portion (320). The container fixing portion (42) is configured to sandwich the container (30) together with the container support portion (41). The container fixing portion (42) is provided in a manner of being able to be opened and closed with respect to the container support portion (41). A plurality of hole portions (411) are provided in the container support portion (41). A plurality of hook portions (420) inserted into the plurality of hole portions (411) and engaging with edge portions (411a) of the plurality of hole portions (411) are provided in the container fixing portion (42).