Rotatable Sample Analysis Substrate with Centrifugal Liquid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample analysis substrates lack the capability to efficiently perform complex reaction steps, such as enzyme or immune reactions, which are essential for analyzing specific components in specimens like urine or blood.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable sample analysis substrate with a specific design, including holding chambers and flow paths, utilizes centrifugal and capillary forces to transfer and manage liquids, enabling precise control over the movement of solutions for washing and reaction steps, thereby facilitating more complex analysis methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional sample analysis substrate is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot perform complex reaction steps such as enzyme or immune reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple functional chambers (first holding chamber, second holding chamber, main chamber) connected by flow paths. Each chamber serves a specific function in the analysis process, allowing complex reactions to be performed in a structured manner while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable substrate design enables a single device to perform multiple functions including sample holding, reagent mixing, washing, and analysis. The same physical substrate accommodates different reaction steps by rotating to different positions, increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If manual operation is used for complex reaction steps, then the device structure is simple, but the analysis efficiency and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is designed to be rotatable rather than static, allowing automatic progression through different analysis stages. The rotation mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of chamber positions relative to the rotation shaft, facilitating automated multi-step reactions without complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugal and capillary force mechanisms enable the system to automatically transfer liquids between chambers without external intervention. The distance relationships between chambers and the rotation shaft create self-driven fluid movement, improving productivity while avoiding complex pumping or valve systems
3Measurement precision
If liquid transfer is not precisely controlled, then the device structure is simple, but the accuracy of component analysis is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are designed with specific local characteristics - the first flow path connects chambers at different distances from the rotation shaft to enable controlled transfer, while the second flow path has openings positioned at specific distances to achieve precise liquid distribution. This localized structural differentiation enables accurate liquid control without overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in rotational parameters to control liquid transfer. By rotating the substrate to different angular positions, the relative positions of chambers and flow path openings change, enabling precise control over when and how liquids are transferred between chambers, thereby improving measurement precision
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 substrate allows for efficient transfer and separation of liquids, enabling the performance of multiple washing cycles and reaction steps automatically, improving the accuracy and efficiency of component analysis in specimens.
Implementation Method 1
A sample analysis substrate rotatable to transfer a liquid... the first holding chamber includes a portion that is farther from the rotation shaft than a position thereof connected with the first opening; the second holding chamber includes a portion that is farther from the rotation shaft than a position thereof connected with the second opening; and in the second flow path, the third opening is closer to the rotation shaft than the fourth opening
Implementation Method 2
A sample analysis substrate, a sample analysis device, a sample analysis system and a program for the sample analysis system usable for an analysis method including a more complicated reaction step to analyze a component in a specimen
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A sample analysis substrate rotatable to transfer a liquid includes a substrate including a rotation shaft, and also includes, in the substrate, a first holding chamber, a second holding chamber holding a first liquid discharged from the first holding chamber, a main chamber holding the first liquid discharged from the second holding chamber, a first flow path having a first opening and a second opening respectively connected with the first holding chamber and the second holding chamber, and a second flow path having a third opening and a fourth opening respectively connected with the second holding chamber and the main chamber. The first holding chamber includes a portion farther from the rotation shaft than a position thereof connected with the first opening. The second holding chamber includes a portion farther from the rotation shaft than a position thereof connected with the second opening. In the second flow path, the third opening is closer to the rotation shaft than the fourth opening.