Rotating-Weight Sample Tube for Contamination-Free Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing methods face issues with contamination due to inadequate cleaning of equipment, leading to carryover and contamination risks during cell disruption and homogenization processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained sample tube with a cylindrical design featuring a weight element that rotates freely around the longitudinal axis, applying shear forces through differential rotation speeds between the weight element and the tube, eliminating the need for additional preparation and cleaning steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If reusable equipment is used for sample processing, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk increases due to inadequate cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The sample tube is designed as a disposable single-use device that is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization between uses. This resolves the contradiction by accepting slightly higher device complexity in exchange for completely eliminating contamination risk from inadequate cleaning of reusable equipment.
2Device complexity
If traditional homogenization methods are used, then device complexity is low, but processing time increases due to multiple preparation and cleaning steps
Solution Approach 1:
By making the sample tube disposable, the invention eliminates all preparation steps (sterilization, cleaning) and post-use steps (cleaning, sterilization), reducing total processing time while accepting the simplicity of a single-use design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample tube is pre-sterilized during manufacturing, so no additional sterilization or preparation steps are needed at the time of use. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming preparation steps while maintaining low device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable sample tubes are used, then contamination risk is eliminated, but device complexity increases due to integrated homogenization components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sample containment function and the homogenization function into a single integrated disposable tube. The weight element and cylindrical wall work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate homogenization devices and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced tube design.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable sample tube serves multiple functions: it contains the sample, provides a sterile barrier, and performs homogenization through its integrated weight element and cylindrical wall structure. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate devices.
4Reliability
If mechanical energy is applied through traditional methods, then homogenization effectiveness is achieved, but equipment complexity and cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The homogenization function is merged into the disposable tube structure itself, with the weight element and cylindrical wall working together to provide mechanical energy for homogenization. This eliminates the need for complex external homogenization equipment while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
By using a disposable tube with integrated homogenization components, the invention achieves reliable homogenization without the complexity and cleaning requirements of reusable mechanical homogenization devices. The tube is discarded after one use, eliminating cleaning needs.
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 solution effectively disperses and homogenizes samples without contamination risk, reducing processing time and ensuring sterile conditions through the use of disposable materials and controlled rotational mechanics.
Implementation Method 1
a weight element (7) which is accommodated in the receiving space (4), where the weight element (7) is shaped and dimensioned such that it can rotate only around the longitudinal axis (A) of the receiving space (4)
Implementation Method 2
the weight element (7) is shaped and dimensioned such that it can rotate freely only around the longitudinal axis of the receiving space (4)
Implementation Method 3
The sample tube (1) has a cylindrical wall (2) and has a first end (11) and a second end (12). The first end (11) of the sample tube (1) is closed with a bottom surface (3), so that a receiving space (4) with a longitudinal axis (A) for a sample (9) is formed between the bottom surface (3) and the cylindrical wall (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present application relates to a sample tube 1 with a cylindrical wall 2, comprising a first end and a second end. The first end of the sample tube is closed by a bottom surface 3, forming a receiving chamber 4 with a longitudinal axis for a sample between the bottom surface and the cylindrical wall. The second end has a closure 5 detachably connected to the first end. A weight element 7 is accommodated within the receiving chamber, shaped and dimensioned such that it can rotate freely within the receiving chamber only about its longitudinal axis. The application further relates to a method and a device for dispersing or homogenizing a sample contained in the sample tube by rotating the sample tube.