Linear Actuator Scanning for Nucleic Acid Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid sequencing technologies are costly and centralized, limiting their accessibility and flexibility, particularly in clinical and decentralized settings, due to the need for expensive instrumentation and batch processing, which delays sample analysis and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A scanning detection apparatus that includes a linear actuator, a mount with a mechanical fastener, and a preload system, allowing for the precise translation of a vessel along a reference surface while maintaining contact with a detector, decoupling translation from rotational registration, thus reducing the complexity and cost of the scanning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If centralized sequencing labs batch samples to achieve economies of scale, then cost efficiency is improved, but sample processing time and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sequencing system into modular components: a standardized vessel for sample containment, a separate scanning detection apparatus, and a linear actuator for precise positioning. This segmentation allows the system to be distributed across multiple locations rather than requiring centralized batch processing, enabling local sequencing while maintaining cost efficiency through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference surface as an intermediary between the vessel and the scanning detection apparatus. This reference surface enables precise positioning and scanning without complex mechanical coupling, allowing rapid sample analysis at decentralized locations while maintaining the cost efficiency of standardized, replaceable vessels.
2Measurement precision
If complex instrumentation is used in centralized labs, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex centralized instrumentation and implements it through a simplified scanning detection apparatus. The system uses a linear actuator to translate a vessel along a reference surface while a detector scans analytes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical registration systems while maintaining detection precision through controlled linear motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical registration and positioning systems with a simpler linear actuator mechanism. The linear actuator provides precise control of vessel translation along the reference surface, substituting for elaborate mechanical coupling and alignment systems while reducing overall device complexity and cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical coupling between vessel and detector is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reference surface as an intermediary between the vessel and the scanning detection apparatus. This reference surface provides a stable, precise positioning interface without requiring complex mechanical coupling. The linear actuator translates the vessel along the reference surface, and the detector scans relative to this reference, achieving high positioning accuracy through the intermediary reference rather than direct mechanical coupling.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning apparatus that can include (a) a scan actuator including a linear actuator and a mount for a removeable vessel, wherein the mount has a mechanical fastener that is configured to engage a complementary mechanical fastener on the removeable vessel, and wherein the linear actuator is configured to translate the mount while the mechanical fastener engages the complementary mechanical fastener on the removeable vessel; (b) a reference surface; and (c) a preload configured to urge the vessel to contact the reference surface, wherein the linear actuator is configured to slide the vessel along the reference surface while the preload urges the vessel to contact the reference surface.