Multi-Chamber Cartridge with Pressure-Driven Nucleic Acid Extraction
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleic acid extraction processes require professional personnel and expensive equipment, making real-time application in the field challenging due to their complexity and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber cartridge with movable gaskets and plungers that automate sample pretreatment and nucleic acid extraction, utilizing pressure differences to transfer samples and simplify operations, integrated with a nucleic acid extraction module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional nucleic acid extraction methods are used, then extraction accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and operation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction system is divided into multiple functional chambers (sample chamber, mixing chamber, centrifugal separation chamber, elution chamber) that perform specific tasks independently. Each chamber is optimized for its particular function, allowing the system to maintain high extraction accuracy while reducing overall operational complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested cartridge structure where multiple chambers are integrated within a single cartridge unit. The sample chamber, mixing chamber, centrifugal separation chamber, and elution chamber are nested within each other, creating a compact system that simplifies operation while maintaining comprehensive extraction functionality.
2Ease of operation
If manual pretreatment procedures are performed, then extraction quality is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring professional personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pretreatment and extraction procedures automatically without requiring professional personnel. The automated plunger mechanism, centrifugal separation, and heated elution processes all occur autonomously within the cartridge, making the system easy to operate while maintaining consistent extraction quality through controlled automated parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controlled parameter changes (temperature heating in elution chamber, centrifugal force in separation chamber, pressure differential in sample transfer) to achieve extraction quality that would otherwise require skilled manual manipulation. These automated parameter controls ensure consistent results while simplifying operation.
3Productivity
If comprehensive pretreatment steps are included, then extraction completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pretreatment and extraction steps into a single integrated cartridge system. The sample chamber, mixing chamber, centrifugal separation chamber, and elution chamber work together in sequence within one device, achieving comprehensive extraction completeness while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate instruments and manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: sample loading, automated pretreatment, centrifugal separation, and heated elution. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive extraction capabilities without requiring separate devices for each step, thereby controlling overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If automated plunger mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The automated plunger mechanism uses dynamic elements including a movable plunger that transitions between chambers, elastic sealing elements that provide automatic sealing, and spring-loaded components that enable automated sample transfer. These dynamic components achieve automation while their integrated design minimizes overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the sample chamber and mixing chamber, automatically transferring samples through pressure differential. This single intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall automation architecture compared to using separate pumps, valves, and control systems for each transfer step.
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
Enables easy and automated nucleic acid extraction regardless of operator skill level, allowing real-time use in the field by reducing system size and simplifying operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first plunger having one end coupled to the other surface of the first pressure gasket and pressing the first pressure gasket
Implementation Method 2
the first sample is transferred to the mixing space as the first separation gasket is separated from the first tube
Implementation Method 3
a nucleic acid extraction module that includes a heater and driving units for efficient nucleic acid extraction and detection
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-chamber cartridge and a nucleic acid extraction module including the same are provided. The multi-chamber cartridge according to an aspect of the present invention may include a sample chamber including a first tube which is an elongated hollow type, a sample chamber body in which a mixing space is formed and one end of the first tube is disposed in the mixing space, a first pressure gasket which can be coupled to the inside of the first tube and is movable along the inner peripheral surface of the first tube, a first separation gasket which is disposed on one surface of the first pressure gasket, coupled to the inside of the first tube, and movable along the inner peripheral surface of the first tube, and a first plunger having one end coupled to the other surface of the first pressure gasket and pressing the first pressure gasket; and a cartridge body which includes an accommodating part in which the sample chamber is detachably accommodated.