Automated Nucleic Acid Processor Multi-Function Dispensing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid processing methods are labor-intensive and prone to contamination, requiring manual handling and temperature control, which hinders automation and scalability, especially in clinical applications where rapid, efficient, and accurate processing is necessary.
Innovation Solution
An automated nucleic acid processor using a multi-function dispensing unit with a suction-discharge mechanism, temperature control, and sealing capabilities, allowing for automated extraction, amplification, and measurement of nucleic acids within sealed reaction vessels, reducing user intervention and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual lid opening is performed to allow optical measurements, then measurements can be taken, but processing time increases and automation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with a preliminary lifting mechanism that automatically raises the lid to a measurement position before optical detection occurs. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual opening during measurement, allowing automated optical detection without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the reaction vessel's own structure (the lid) to perform the measurement function. By integrating the lifting mechanism into the lid itself, the vessel serves its own measurement needs without requiring external manual intervention, enabling automated processing.
2Measurement precision
If the lid is removed from the vessel during temperature control, then optical measurements can be performed, but contamination risk increases and rapid processing is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is preliminarily positioned in a measurement state that allows optical detection while maintaining the sealed configuration. This preliminary positioning enables measurements to be taken through or above the lid without complete removal, preventing contamination while allowing optical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the need for optical measurement and contamination prevention. By designing the lid with lifting capability and optical access features, it serves as a mediator that allows light passage while maintaining the sealed reaction environment.
3Reliability
If the lid is sealed tightly to prevent contamination, then contamination is prevented, but rapid opening becomes difficult due to adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is preliminarily separated from the vessel body through an automatic lifting mechanism before complete removal is needed. This preliminary action breaks the adhesion bond gradually, making subsequent opening easy while maintaining tight sealing during the critical reaction period.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid transitions from a static sealed position to a dynamic lifted position through an automated mechanism. This dynamic transition allows the lid to maintain strong adhesion during sealing while enabling easy opening when needed, resolving the contradiction between tight sealing and ease of opening.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual nucleic acid extraction and processing is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity increases and automation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction vessel system is designed with universal features that accommodate multiple processing modes. The automated lid lifting and optical measurement capabilities work seamlessly with both manual and automated nucleic acid extraction protocols, allowing the system to maintain flexibility while enabling automation of the measurement and temperature control steps.
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 rapid, efficient, and accurate nucleic acid processing with reduced labor and contamination risks, facilitating automation and cost-effectiveness while maintaining high reliability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a suction-discharge mechanism 501 that performs suction and discharge of gases
Implementation Method 2
by heating or cooling the metallic block-shaped housing part and waiting until the solution temperature becomes a uniform temperature distribution
Implementation Method 3
sealing of the vessel for performing the temperature control with a lid prevents the entry of contaminants from the exterior, prevents fluid leakage from the interior
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
In relation to an automated nucleic acid processor and an automated nucleic acid processing method using a multi function dispensing unit, processing involving extraction and amplification of the nucleic acid, can be consistently, quickly and efficiently conducted at a low cost with the use of a multi function dispensing unit, while saving user's trouble without expanding the scale of the device. The multi function dispensing unit includes: a nozzle head provided with a suction-discharge mechanism and nozzles detachably provided with dispensing tips; a container group having, at the very least housing parts for liquids and reaction containers for housing an amplification solution; a transfer mechanism that makes an interval between the nozzles and the container group relatively movable; a temperature controller whereby temperature control of the interior of the reaction vessels is possible; sealing liquids and/or sealing lids that are transportable to the reaction vessels using the nozzles, and which make the amplification solutions housed in the reaction vessels sealable within the reaction vessels; and a sealing control part that controls the suction-discharge mechanism or the transfer mechanism, such that the sealing liquid and/or the sealing lids seal the amplification solution within the reaction vessels when the housing of the amplification solution in the reaction vessels is completed.