Nucleic Acid Extraction Device Using Segmented Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional molecular diagnosis for infectious diseases is hindered by low detection accuracy and the complexity and high cost of existing instruments for nucleic acid extraction.

Innovation Solution

A nucleic acid extracting device comprising an upper and lower module with a nucleic acid capturing chamber, where a sample is processed through channels and reservoirs using air flow to facilitate absorption and elution of nucleic acids using materials like silica or magnetic beads, enabling efficient extraction and easy assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional molecular diagnosis instruments are used to achieve high detection accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinstrument complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into an upper module and a lower module that can be assembled together. The upper module contains the sample reservoir and channels, while the lower module contains the capturing chamber and elution reservoir. This segmentation allows for simplified individual components that are easier to manufacture and assemble, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through the integrated nucleic acid extraction system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If conventional molecular diagnosis instruments are used to achieve high detection accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into separable upper and lower modules with standardized interfaces, the manufacturing process is simplified. Each module can be produced independently using cost-effective methods, and the modular design allows for economies of scale. This reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the nucleic acid extraction capability necessary for high detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs a disposable cartridge design where the upper and lower modules form a single-use extraction unit. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex, and reusable instruments while ensuring consistent performance for each test. The disposable nature reduces cleaning, maintenance, and sterilization requirements, further lowering operational costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If conventional molecular diagnosis instruments are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but operational simplicity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented modular design allows for a streamlined operational workflow. The user simply needs to assemble the upper and lower modules, load the sample into the reservoir, and follow the pre-designed channel pathways for automated nucleic acid extraction. This eliminates complex manual操作步骤 associated with conventional instruments while preserving detection accuracy through the integrated capturing and elution system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If rapid diagnostic tests are used to achieve quick detection within 30 minutes, then detection speed is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts and isolates nucleic acid from the sample using a capturing material in the capturing chamber, separating it from other sample components. This purification step is essential for accurate detection. The extracted nucleic acid is then eluted into a clean buffer solution, concentrating the target analyte and removing inhibitors, thereby achieving both rapid processing and high detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The capturing material is localized in the nucleic acid capturing chamber, creating a specific zone for nucleic acid isolation. This localized functional region ensures efficient nucleic acid recovery while maintaining a simple overall device structure. The local concentration and purification of nucleic acid in this specific zone enable accurate detection within the rapid diagnostic timeframe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 achieves high accuracy and simplicity in nucleic acid extraction, suitable for rapid diagnostics and Point of Care testing with reduced operational complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

a nucleic acid in the sample is absorbed by the material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the elution enters the nucleic acid capturing chamber via the elution channel to wash the nucleic acid out of the nucleic acid capturing chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElution: Desorption

Data Source

PatentUS10213783B2Nucleic acid extracting device
Publication Date: 2019.02.26 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • US10213783B2 patent drawing
  • US10213783B2 patent drawing
  • US10213783B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A nucleic acid extracting device includes an upper module, a lower module, and a material for capturing nucleic acid. The lower module has a sample reservoir receiving a sample, an elution reservoir receiving an elution, and a nucleic acid capturing chamber with the material disposed therein. The upper module has a sample channel that communicates with the sample reservoir, and an elution channel that communicates with the elution reservoir. The nucleic acid capturing chamber communicates with the sample channel and the elution channel. When a sample enters the nucleic acid capturing chamber via the sample channel, a nucleic acid in the sample is absorbed by the material in the nucleic acid capturing chamber, and the elution enters the nucleic acid capturing chamber, via the elution channel, to wash the nucleic acid out of the nucleic acid capturing chamber.