Rotational Sample Substrate for Automated Liquid Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample analysis technologies face challenges in performing complex reaction steps, such as binding reactions and separation processes, efficiently and effectively, particularly in methods like immunoassays and genetic diagnostics, which require multiple washing steps and precise liquid handling.
Innovation Solution
A substrate for sample analysis with a system comprising a motor-driven turntable, optical measurement unit, and control circuit that allows for precise rotation and angle control, enabling the transportation and separation of liquids through gravity and centrifugal forces, facilitating multiple washing steps and complex reaction processes without manual operation or large equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a substrate for sample analysis is used with simple rotation mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot perform complicated reaction steps required for immunoassay and genetic diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple independent chambers (reaction chamber, storage chamber, waste chamber) and flow passages, allowing different reaction steps to occur simultaneously in separate compartments. This segmentation enables complex multi-step analyses while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate rotation mechanism dynamically adjusts rotation speed and angle to control liquid flow between chambers. By varying rotation parameters, the system can perform different operations (mixing, transportation, separation) using the same physical structure, enabling complicated reaction steps without increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for washing and separation steps, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and analysis efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate rotation system automatically performs liquid transportation, mixing, and separation operations through centrifugal force generated by rotation. The system serves itself by using the rotation mechanism to control fluid flow between chambers without requiring manual intervention for each washing or separation step, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If large equipment is used for automated analysis, then productivity and automation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate rotation mechanism serves multiple functions: transporting liquids between chambers, mixing reagents, separating components through centrifugal force, and controlling reaction timing. This multi-functionality enables automated productivity improvement using a single, relatively simple mechanical system rather than multiple specialized large equipment components.
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 efficient and accurate performance of complex sample analysis methods by automating the washing and separation processes, enhancing the reliability and precision of component analysis in specimens like urine or blood.
Implementation Method 1
The substrate for sample analysis is rotated to move a liquid from a first chamber to a second chamber
Implementation Method 2
a liquid retained in a first chamber is weighed and moved to a second chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
Provided is a substrate for sample analysis, which involves transportation of a liquid through rotational motion, the substrate for sample analysis including: a substrate including a rotation axis; a first chamber (101), which is positioned in the substrate and includes a first space configured to retain the liquid; a second chamber (102), which is positioned in the substrate and includes a second space configured to retain the liquid discharged from the first chamber; and a first flow passage (111), which is positioned in the substrate, includes a path configured to connect the first chamber and the second chamber to each other, and is capable of being filled with the liquid retained in the first space through a capillary phenomenon, in which the first flow passage (111) has a first opening (111c) and a second opening (111d), the first opening (111c) and the second opening (111d) are connected to the first chamber (101) and the second chamber (102), respectively, and the first opening is positioned on a side closer to the rotation axis (110) than the second opening, in which the first space includes a first region, which is connected to the first opening (111c) and includes a portion extending from the first opening toward a side farther from the rotation axis, and in which the first space of the first chamber (101) has a capacity larger than a capacity of the first flow passage (111).