Integrated Sample Preparation With Separate Pipetting Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic extraction equipment lacks sample pretreatment and quantification functions, requiring manual intervention that is time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to human error, and increases contamination risk.
Innovation Solution
An integrated automatic sample preparation system comprising a sample pretreatment device, extraction device, pre-amplification quantification device, amplification sample preparation device, non-extraction tip holder, and pipetting device, arranged to minimize contamination risk through separate pipetting paths for extraction and non-extraction tips, with features like foolproof structures and ultraviolet sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation is used for sample pretreatment and quantification, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but contamination risk increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate functions (sample pretreatment, extraction, quantification, and amplification preparation) into a single integrated automatic system. The sample processing unit, extraction unit, and quantification unit are merged into one automated workflow, eliminating the need for manual intervention between these steps and thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs multiple functions within a single platform: it can pretreat various sample types (liquid, solid, swab), perform extraction, conduct quantification, and prepare for amplification. This multi-functional design replaces multiple manual operations with a single universal automated system, reducing both contamination risk and the need for trained personnel across different steps.
2Productivity
If manual operation is used for sample pretreatment and quantification, then complex sample types can be handled, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous automated operation where sample pretreatment, extraction, and quantification proceed without interruption. The automated pipetting and liquid handling perform these functions continuously rather than with intermittent manual intervention, significantly reducing total operational time while handling diverse sample types efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated pretreatment of samples in various forms (liquid, solid, swab) before extraction, and automatically prepares quantification samples. This preliminary automated action eliminates the need for manual preparation steps, reducing both time consumption and labor requirements while maintaining the ability to handle complex sample types.
3Reliability
If manual operation is used for sample pretreatment and quantification, then operational flexibility is maintained, but human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms through the quantification unit, which measures extracted genetic material and provides data back to control the overall process. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual measurement errors and ensures consistent, accurate results across different sample types and processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs self-service through programmed protocols that automatically execute pretreatment, extraction, and quantification steps without human intervention. The system self-regulates the process parameters and automatically handles sample preparation, eliminating human error while maintaining the flexibility to process various sample types through programmable protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic sample preparation system is disclosed. The automatic sample preparation system integrates sample pretreatment, extraction, quantitation, and solution preparation into one system. A replacement of manual operations with an automatic system can reduce time and labor costs, reduce human errors, and reduce contamination risk.