Integrated Reagent Filling Layout for Compact Nucleic Acid Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nucleic acid testing instruments are too large due to separate modules for reagent preparation, which is not suitable for miniaturization in limited hospital laboratory spaces.

Innovation Solution

A reagent preparation apparatus with integrated extraction and amplification reagent storage and a movable filling portion that can fill reagents into respective vessels, along with vessel loading mechanisms to facilitate miniaturization and prevent cross-contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate instrument modules are used for preparation of extraction reagents and amplification reagents, then reagent preparation functions are achieved, but the nucleic acid testing instrument becomes too large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent preparation functionVSAvoidinstrument size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the extraction reagent preparation module and amplification reagent preparation module into a single integrated reagent preparation apparatus. The filling portion is configured to perform both extraction reagent filling and amplification reagent filling operations within one unified structure, thereby reducing the overall instrument size while maintaining both preparation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filling portion is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple operations: filling extraction reagents into extraction vessels, filling amplification reagents into amplification vessels, and transferring vessels between different positions. This universal filling mechanism eliminates the need for separate dedicated modules for each reagent type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If a single filling portion is used for both extraction and amplification reagents, then instrument miniaturization is achieved, but cross-contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument sizeVSAvoidcross-contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filling portion is designed as a movable component that can dynamically reposition itself between different filling positions. It can move to the extraction reagent filling position to fill extraction vessels, then move to the amplification reagent filling position to fill amplification vessels. This dynamic repositioning capability allows a single filling portion to serve multiple functions while maintaining operational separation to prevent cross-contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reagent preparation apparatus is segmented into distinct functional zones: an extraction reagent storage portion, an amplification reagent storage portion, an extraction reagent filling position, and an amplification reagent filling position. The filling portion can selectively operate in different zones, maintaining physical and functional separation between extraction and amplification reagent handling processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates miniaturization of the nucleic acid testing instrument while ensuring accurate and efficient reagent preparation without cross-pollution, enhancing the accuracy of testing results.

Implementation Method 1

the filling portion being able to suck the extraction reagent from the extraction reagent storage portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

the filling portion being able to suck the amplification reagent from the amplification reagent storage portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4394387B1Reagent preparation apparatus and nucleic acid testing integrated machine with reagent preparation apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SHENZHEN NEW INDS BIOMEDICAL ENG CO LTD

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AI summary

The invention provides a reagent preparation apparatus and a nucleic acid testing integrated machine having the reagent preparation apparatus. The reagent preparation apparatus includes: a housing (10), the housing (10) being provided with an extraction reagent filling position (11) and an amplification reagent filling position (12); a reagent storage portion (20), arranged in the housing (10), the reagent storage portion (20) including an extraction reagent storage portion (21) and an amplification reagent storage portion (22); and a filling portion (30), movably arranged in the housing (10), the filling portion (30) being able to suck an extraction reagent from the extraction reagent storage portion (21) and move to above the extraction reagent filling position (11) to fill the extraction reagent into a first vessel on the extraction reagent filling position (11), and the filling portion (30) being able to suck an amplification reagent from the amplification reagent storage portion (22) and move to above the amplification reagent filling position (12) to fill the amplification reagent into a second vessel on the amplification reagent filling position (12). The technical solution provided by the invention solves the problem that a nucleic acid testing instrument in the related technology cannot meet the requirements for miniaturization.