Reaction Plate Assembly for Nucleic Acid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nucleic acid analysis apparatuses lack flexibility in loading and unloading reaction plates, leading to inefficiencies in sample analysis, as they require completing analysis on one plate before starting another and cannot process samples sequentially.
Innovation Solution
A nucleic acid analysis apparatus with a rotating mechanism and drive mechanisms for delivering and ejecting reaction plates, allowing for continuous rotation and simultaneous processing of multiple samples without stopping, enabling high flexibility in plate loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a batch process with a single reaction plate is used, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the analysis efficiency is low due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction plate is divided into multiple independent reaction wells (e.g., 96 wells arranged in 8 rows and 12 columns), allowing simultaneous processing of multiple samples. Each well can be independently controlled and processed, transforming a single-batch system into a parallel processing system that significantly improves analysis efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction plate uses a two-dimensional arrangement of reaction wells (8 rows × 12 columns) instead of a single linear sequence. This spatial dimensionality change allows multiple samples to be processed simultaneously in parallel, converting sequential batch processing into concurrent multi-sample analysis, thereby dramatically improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Speed
If the reaction plate is rotated to contact multiple temperature zones, then the temperature cycling speed is improved, but the heat transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction plate bottom is divided into multiple independent heating zones (e.g., 8 rows corresponding to 8 temperature control zones). Each zone can be independently controlled by separate Peltier elements, allowing simultaneous temperature control for multiple reaction wells. This segmentation enables rapid temperature cycling by eliminating the need to rotate the entire plate through different temperature zones, while maintaining efficient heat transfer through direct thermal contact between each well and its corresponding heating zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the reaction plate to bring different wells into contact with different temperature zones (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by providing multiple independent temperature zones that simultaneously contact different wells. The plate remains stationary while multiple temperatures are applied concurrently, achieving fast temperature cycling without rotational movement and preserving heat transfer efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single reaction plate is processed at a time, then the device complexity is low, but the flexibility in loading and unloading plates is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction plate is designed with movable rows that can be independently loaded and unloaded. The plate structure allows dynamic reconfiguration where complete rows of reaction wells can be selectively inserted or removed from the processing system. This dynamic capability enables flexible plate management and adaptability for different sample volumes and experiment requirements, while the modular row-based design keeps the mechanical complexity manageable through standardized movement mechanisms.
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
This design enhances the efficiency of nucleic acid analysis by allowing for continuous sample processing and reducing standby time, enabling high-throughput analysis with flexible reaction plate management.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction plate referred to as a 'microtiter plate' with 96 to 386 reaction wells is disposed on a Peltier element, and the temperature of the Peltier element is increased and decreased
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a technology such that, in nucleic acid analysis, a high degree of freedom in loading or unloading a reaction plate can be obtained and a sample can be efficiently analyzed. A reaction plate assembly includes a reaction plate with one or more reaction wells, a visible light transmissive cover mounted on the reaction plate and covering the reaction wells, and a visible light transmissive weight member covering the cover. The reaction wells are disposed in an arc shape along the circumference of a circle with a predetermined radius r1.