Removal tool for extracting a sample well comb from electrophoretic gels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing sample well combs from electrophoresis gels are cumbersome and prone to damage the sample wells due to the vacuum suction effect and physical challenges in gripping and removal, especially when using photoinitiated light curing.

Innovation Solution

A removal tool is designed to be coupled to the sample well comb, providing additional grip points and mechanisms to apply a smooth, consistent force for easy extraction without damaging the sample wells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional hand methods are used to remove sample well combs, then the process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the sample wells are damaged due to vacuum suction effect and physical challenges in gripping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample well integrityVSAvoidcomb removal difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a removal tool as an intermediary device between the user and the sample well comb. This tool includes engagement members that couple to the comb and a mechanism that applies smooth, consistent extraction forces, eliminating the need for direct manual gripping that causes damage while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct manual mechanical gripping method with a controlled mechanical extraction system. The removal tool uses engagement members and force application mechanisms to substitute the harmful vacuum suction and finger gripping with a controlled, smooth extraction process that preserves sample well integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If photoinitiated light curing is used for gel polymerization, then the polymerization speed is improved, but the vacuum suction effect increases making comb removal more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymerization speedVSAvoidcomb extraction ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The removal tool serves as an intermediary that mediates between the strongly bonded comb (resulting from fast photopolymerization) and the user. The engagement members and force distribution mechanism allow extraction despite the strong vacuum suction effect created by rapid curing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The removal tool is designed to be attached to the comb before extraction begins, preparing the system in advance. The engagement members are positioned to couple with the comb structure, and the force application mechanism is readied to apply smooth extraction forces, countering the vacuum suction effect before removal starts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If direct gripping of the comb is attempted, then the equipment required is minimal, but the physical challenges make removal difficult and damaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval tool complexityVSAvoidgripping ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The removal tool is segmented into distinct functional components: engagement members that couple to the comb, a force application mechanism, and a user interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device manageable in complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removal tool acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the user's hand and the comb. Instead of direct gripping, the user operates the removal tool which then interacts with the comb through engagement members, providing mechanical advantage and force distribution that makes removal easy without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates the safe and efficient removal of sample well combs from electrophoresis gels, reducing the risk of well deformation and improving user interaction with existing gel casting assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

The removal tool may include a mechanism configured to impart extraction forces to a surface in proximity to the sample well comb to further aid in the extraction of the sample well comb

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The removal tool may include one or more engagement members configured to be at least partially disposed within an opening in the sample well comb to couple the removal tool to the sample well comb

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS12590923B2Removal tool for extracting a sample well comb from electrophoretic gels

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 EMD MILLIPORE CORP

AI summary

A removal tool for sample well combs that is configured to aid in the extraction of a sample well comb from an electrophoresis gel. The removal tool may be either removably coupled to the sample well comb or may be permanently affixed to the sample well comb in order to provide a surface/region that is more easily graspable by a user to aid in the extraction of the sample well comb. The removal tool may include one or more engagement members that may be at least partially disposed within an opening of the sample well comb to couple the removal tool to the sample well comb. The removal tool may also include a mechanism that is configured to impart extraction forces to a surface in proximity to the sample well comb to further aid in the extraction of the sample well comb.