Nucleic Acid Analysis Device Parallel Protocol Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleic acid amplification and detection devices, such as PCR, are limited in processing multiple protocols simultaneously and cannot add new samples once an analysis has started, leading to inefficiencies and long wait times for results.
Innovation Solution
A nucleic acid analysis device with multiple thermostat baths set to specific temperatures and a movable reaction vessel transport mechanism allows for parallel processing of multiple protocols and continuous loading of new samples, enabling simultaneous execution of different nucleic acid detection protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single thermostat bath is used for nucleic acid amplification, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases because only one protocol can be processed at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The single thermostat bath is segmented into multiple independent temperature control zones (first temperature control zone and second temperature control zone), each capable of maintaining different temperatures simultaneously. This allows multiple reaction vessels with different protocol requirements to be processed in parallel, improving productivity while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
2Device complexity
If the reaction vessel is fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases because new samples cannot be added during ongoing analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction vessel holder is made movable along the longitudinal axis of the thermostat bath, transforming from a fixed to a dynamic configuration. This allows reaction vessels to be added, removed, or repositioned during the amplification process, enabling flexible protocol changes and continuous sample processing without restarting the entire analysis.
3Productivity
If multiple thermostat baths are used for parallel protocol processing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple separate thermostat baths, the invention segments a single bath into multiple independent temperature control zones. Each zone functions independently to maintain different temperatures, enabling parallel processing of multiple protocols while avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple separate bath systems.
4Measurement precision
If temperature cycling is used for PCR, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases because the entire cycle must complete before new samples can be added
Solution Approach 1:
The movable reaction vessel holder enables continuous loading of new reaction vessels into the thermostat bath during ongoing temperature cycling. While existing vessels complete their amplification cycles, new vessels can be inserted and immediately begin their cycles, eliminating idle time and ensuring continuous productive operation without compromising PCR precision.
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 high-throughput processing of multiple nucleic acid detection protocols in parallel, allowing new samples to be added during ongoing analyses, significantly reducing analysis time and improving device reliability and expandability.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermostat bath (19) maintained at a specific temperature, a second thermostat bath (19) maintained at a specific temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a device that can process a plurality of nucleic acid detection protocols in parallel, and in which any nucleic acid detection protocol of a new sample can be additively performed even when other nucleic acid detection protocols are being run. The nucleic acid detection device of the present invention includes: a thermostat bath (19) that has a vessel-accommodating hole for accommodating a reaction vessel; a detector (12a) that detects fluorescence from the reaction vessel (11a); a gate (16) provided at a portion where the vessel is loaded into the vessel-accommodating hole; and a grip unit (16) that loads the vessel into the vessel-accommodating hole.