Nucleic Acid Analysis Apparatus Bottom-Mounted Driving Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point-of-care (POC) nucleic acid analysis devices are bulky, costly, and prone to tipping due to the heavy top-mounted driving unit, which complicates operation and increases size, weight, and power consumption, while lacking a simplified structural design for efficient heating and fluid processing.
Innovation Solution
An all-in-one nucleic acid analysis apparatus with a casing, main frame, fluid delivery unit, thermal unit, and optical unit integrated in the lower casing, featuring a motion control unit with a stepper motor for cartridge rotation and fluid processing, and a touch screen for user operation, allowing for real-time sample purification, extraction, amplification, and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driving unit is mounted in the top chamber, then the cartridge can be rotated for amplification and detection, but the device size, weight, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting arrangement by placing the driving unit in the bottom chamber instead of the top chamber. This inversion reduces the device's overall weight and power consumption while still enabling cartridge rotation through the motion control unit that connects the driving unit to the cartridge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the driving unit from a vertical top-chamber position to a horizontal bottom-chamber position, changing the spatial dimension of motor placement. This dimensional change allows the heavy component to be positioned lower, reducing tipping risk while maintaining rotational functionality through adjusted mechanical linkage.
2Ease of operation
If the driving unit is mounted in the top chamber, then the cartridge rotation is enabled, but the device is prone to tipping over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting arrangement by placing the driving unit in the bottom chamber instead of the top chamber. This inversion reduces the device's overall weight and power consumption while still enabling cartridge rotation through the motion control unit that connects the driving unit to the cartridge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the bottom chamber mounting position as a counterweight strategy, placing the heavy driving unit at the base of the device to lower the center of gravity. This positioning creates a stabilizing effect that prevents tipping during operation, while the motion control unit transmits rotational force to the cartridge.
3Ease of operation
If the driving unit utilizes a stepper motor with high holding torque, then the cartridge motion is controlled, but the cost, size, and power input increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the operational parameters of the stepper motor by optimizing the holding torque specification to match the actual operational requirements rather than using high holding torque motors. This parameter adjustment reduces power consumption while maintaining adequate control over cartridge motion during amplification and detection phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using a stepper motor with holding torque that is sufficient for the required cartridge rotation and positioning, but not excessively high. This avoids the power waste associated with oversized motors that must maintain high holding torque capabilities beyond what is actually needed for the amplification and detection operations.
4Device complexity
If the top and bottom parts are of equal size, then the device structure is balanced, but the heavy top part creates tipping risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the vertical distribution of components by placing the heavy driving unit in the bottom chamber rather than distributing weight equally between top and bottom. This asymmetric weight distribution creates a lower center of gravity, improving stability and preventing tipping during cartridge rotation operations.
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 provides a compact, portable, and cost-effective solution for real-time nucleic acid analysis, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple targets with improved heating efficiency and reduced risk of device tipping, suitable for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-constrained settings.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal unit is disposed on the main frame of the lower casing and adapted to provide a predefined temperature for nucleic acid amplification
Implementation Method 2
The at least one optical unit is disposed on the main frame of the lower casing and includes plural optical components for detection
Implementation Method 3
The fluid delivery unit is disposed in the lower casing and connected with the main frame, and is adapted to transport reagents within the cartridge for sample purification and/or nucleic acid extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A nucleic acid analysis apparatus includes a casing, a main frame, a fluid delivery unit, a thermal unit, a driving unit, and at least one optical unit. The casing has an upper casing and a lower casing. The main frame is disposed in the lower casing and has a chamber for mounting a cartridge therein. The fluid delivery unit is adapted to transport reagents within the cartridge for sample purification and/or nucleic acid extraction. The thermal unit is adapted to provide a predefined temperature for nucleic acid amplification. The driving unit is disposed in the lower casing and connected with the main frame, and includes a motion control unit capable of pressing the cartridge during sample purification and/or nucleic acid extraction and rotating the cartridge with a predefined program during nucleic acid amplification and/or detection. The optical unit includes plural optical components for detection.