Multi-Lane Dispensing Device Ribs for Cross-Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-dispensing devices for genetic testing face challenges in automating the process of handling multiple samples while minimizing cross contamination, particularly in PCR processes, due to the complexity of cartridge configurations and the difficulty in controlling airflow passages, which increases the risk of fine particle scattering and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with integrated solution cartridges and rib structures that guide airflow to separate lanes, reducing the need for partition walls and air suction openings, and facilitating automated handling of samples and reagents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent cartridges are used for each lane, then cross contamination is suppressed through partition walls and air suction openings, but device complexity and automation difficulty increase due to individual disposal and removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent cartridges into a single integrated cartridge structure that contains multiple lanes. The integrated cartridge includes partition walls and air suction openings formed within a single body, eliminating the need for separate cartridge disposal and reduction of handling complexity while maintaining cross-contamination suppression between lanes
2Device complexity
If integrated cartridges are used to simplify device configuration, then automation becomes easier, but cross contamination risk increases due to difficulty in forming partition walls and air suction openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully merges multiple lanes into a single integrated cartridge while incorporating partition walls that extend from the upper surface to the lower surface to divide the interior into separate lane spaces. Air suction openings are formed in the partition walls, enabling automated airflow control to suppress fine particle scattering and cross-contamination between lanes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by incorporating air suction openings in the partition walls of the integrated cartridge. The air suction mechanism creates negative pressure to control airflow direction, preventing fine particles containing samples from scattering between lanes while maintaining the integrated cartridge structure for simplified automation
3Productivity
If multiple independent dispensing machines are disposed side by side, then multiple samples can be handled simultaneously, but fine particle scattering toward unintended directions increases cross contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dispensing operations into a single integrated cartridge that handles multiple samples simultaneously through its multi-lane structure. Each lane is physically separated by partition walls with air suction openings that control airflow, preventing fine particle scattering between lanes while maintaining high productivity through parallel processing capability
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 device effectively reduces cross contamination risks by stabilizing airflow and collecting fine particles, enhancing the reliability of genetic testing results through automated processes.
Implementation Method 1
air suction openings between the lanes for downward suctioning
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is, to reduce, when cartridges for reaction formed as a plurality of lanes are integrated, a risk of occurrence of cross contamination without providing, on the cartridges, a partition wall for partitioning the lanes and an air suction opening, a dispensing device including a plurality of dispensing machines, a dispensing device body that has the plurality of dispensing machines mounted thereto and is capable of moving along a direction of a plurality of lanes of a solution plate including a plurality of containers each of which accommodates a reagent or a sample and that are integrally formed along the lanes, a top plate for test on which the dispensing device body and the solution plate are placed, and a device cover that covers the dispensing device body in combination with the top plate for test, and a plurality of ribs that separate a space above the plurality of lanes of the container plate into spaces each for each of the plurality of lanes and cover the spaces are formed in the dispensing device body.