Preprocessing Kit Skirt Sealing for Parallel Sample Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing preprocessing apparatuses for biological samples are limited in efficiency due to the inability to move carrying mechanisms during extraction processing, restricting the ability to easily retrieve extracted samples and perform parallel processing.
Innovation Solution
A preprocessing kit with a separation device and collecting container that can be individually carried and set in ports, allowing for independent preprocessing, parallel, and concurrent processing, with a skirt part creating a sealed filtration port for efficient sample extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a common carrying mechanism is used to hold multiple cartridges and extract receivers, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the preprocessing efficiency is limited because the mechanisms cannot be moved during extraction processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the preprocessing system into independent preprocessing kits, each containing a separation device and collecting container that can be individually carried and processed. This segmentation allows multiple samples to be processed in parallel without requiring complex coordinated movement of unified carrying mechanisms, thereby improving preprocessing efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If extract receivers are always placed below cartridges in a fixed position, then the carrying mechanism structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to retrieve extracted samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic carrying mechanisms that can move and position preprocessing kits at different locations. The carrying mechanism includes a carrying arm that can transport preprocessing kits between the sample introduction port, filtration port, and retrieval position, enabling easy sample retrieval while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled mobility rather than fixed rigid positioning.
3Productivity
If multiple preprocessing kits are processed sequentially in a single port, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the preprocessing throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from sequential single-port processing to parallel multi-port processing by adding spatial dimensionality. Multiple filtration ports are provided, each capable of independently processing a preprocessing kit simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows multiple samples to be processed concurrently, increasing throughput while keeping each individual port's structure simple.
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 easy retrieval of extracted samples and improves preprocessing efficiency by allowing parallel and concurrent processing of multiple samples, enhancing the overall throughput of the preprocessing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure applying part which causes a negative pressure to be maintained in a filtration port when a preprocessing kit is set
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A preprocessing kit includes a separation device, a collecting container, and a skirt part. The separation device is a cylindrical container which has an upwardly-open internal space, and includes a separation layer which allows a sample to penetrate and separates a specific component in the sample from the sample, in the internal space, and an extraction outlet for extracting the sample penetrating the separation layer, in a lower end. The collecting container is attachable to and detachable from the separation device, has an internal space in which an extracted sample provided from the extraction outlet of the separation device is collected, and is fitted into a recess part forming a filtration port for performing filtration processing on a sample with a lower end of the separation device of the separation device being contained in the internal space. The skirt part is integrated with the separation device, and is provided to surround an outer circumferential surface of the separation device with a clearance being left from the outer circumferential surface so that a space having a closed upper side and an open lower side is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the separation device and the skirt part. The skirt part is provided in such a way that a lower end of the skirt part comes into intimate contact with a peripheral surface of an opening of the recess part when the collecting container containing the lower end of the separation device is fitted into the recess part.