Automated Nucleic Acid Detection Device with Modular Liquid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid detection devices rely heavily on manual assistance and are complex, large, and lack automation, making the nucleic acid extraction and detection process inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A device with a fixing frame, cartridge positioning assembly, lifting assembly, rotating assembly, and liquid transferring assembly that automates the process of nucleic acid detection by controlling the movement and alignment of components to facilitate reagent transfer and mixing within a cartridge, reducing the need for manual intervention and device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual assistance is used for nucleic acid extraction and detection, then the device structure can be simplified, but the degree of automation is low and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into independent functional modules: a lifting assembly with a lifting base for vertical movement, a rotating assembly with a rotating member for rotational movement, and a liquid transferring assembly with a tip for liquid handling. Each module operates independently but coordinates through standardized interfaces, enabling automated nucleic acid extraction and detection while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting base and rotating member serve multiple functions: the lifting base provides vertical positioning for both the liquid transferring assembly and the toggling rod, while the rotating member enables rotational positioning for both assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, achieving high automation without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Productivity
If manual transfer of samples and reagents is performed, then the device size can be reduced, but the action process becomes complicated and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid transferring assembly and toggling rod are combined into a single integrated structure where the toggling rod acts as both a rotational driver and a positioning element. The tip of the liquid transferring assembly can automatically engage with the cartridge and perform both liquid aspiration and ejection functions. This merging of functions into unified components streamlines the action process, enabling efficient automated operation while reducing the complexity that would arise from multiple separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the liquid transferring assembly positioned to align with the cartridge opening, and the tip is pre-shaped to fit the cartridge's liquid handling ports. The rotating member is pre-positioned to enable direct engagement with the cartridge. These preliminary configurations eliminate the need for complex real-time adjustments during operation, improving extraction efficiency while keeping the control process simple
3Extent of automation
If multiple separate assemblies are used for liquid transfer, then the automation capability is improved, but the device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid transferring assembly is nested within or adjacent to the toggling rod structure, with the tip extending from the rotating member. When not in use, the tip can be retracted or positioned within the body of the liquid transferring assembly. The lifting base accommodates both the liquid transferring assembly and the toggling rod in a compact vertical arrangement. This nesting approach enables automated liquid transfer functionality while minimizing the device's overall volume
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device of automatically detecting nucleic acid, including: a fixing frame; a cartridge positioning assembly having a cartridge loading position configured to position a cartridge; a lifting assembly including a lifting base configured to be controllably moved toward or away from the cartridge positioning assembly in a first direction; a rotating assembly including a rotating member capable of controllably rotating relative to the lifting base around a rotation axis parallel to the first direction; and a liquid transferring assembly including a connecting portion configured to connect to a tip. The liquid transferring assembly is capable of rotating with the rotating member to a position where the connecting portion is aligned with any liquid storing tank of the cartridge in the first direction, the liquid transferring assembly is capable of moving along with the lifting base to an inserting position or a disengaging position along the first direction.