Sample Testing Machine Layout for Fast Precise Nucleic Acid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing all-in-one sample testing devices face issues with low efficiency and accuracy due to single driving sources leading to inconsistent movement speed and precision, manual operations increasing contamination risk, and complex consumable installation verification, resulting in inefficient and inaccurate nucleic acid testing.
Innovation Solution
The all-in-one machine is divided into an upper and lower portion driven by separate units, allowing coordinated high-speed and high-precision movement, automated uncapping/capping mechanisms, and process operation monitoring to ensure correct consumable installation and minimize contamination risk through separate air ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driving source is used to move the pipetting module and extraction module, then the device structure is simple, but the movement speed and precision cannot be simultaneously optimized, leading to low testing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single driving source into multiple independent driving sources (first driving source for pipetting module, second driving source for extraction module). Each driving source can be independently controlled to optimize movement speed and precision for its specific module, thereby improving overall testing efficiency without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where different driving sources can operate at different speeds and precision levels simultaneously. The pipetting module can move at high precision while the extraction module moves at higher speed, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements and maximize productivity
2Device complexity
If manual uncapping/capping operations are performed, then the device structure is simple, but the contamination risk increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated uncapping and capping mechanisms that perform these operations without manual intervention. The system uses robotic arms or automated mechanisms to remove and replace caps on sample tubes and reagent bottles, eliminating the contamination risk associated with manual operations while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces automated mechanisms as intermediaries between the operator and the samples/reagents. These automated uncapping/capping systems act as mediators that handle potentially contaminating operations, protecting the sample environment from human contact while keeping the overall device design straightforward
3Loss of time
If consumable installation verification is simplified, then the operation process is faster, but the accuracy of verifying correct installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual verification processes with automated sensing systems. Sensors (such as optical sensors, RFID readers, or mechanical position sensors) automatically detect and verify the correct installation of consumables like pipette tips, magnetic rods, and reagent bottles. This substitution maintains high verification accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual checking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensing systems that create digital copies or representations of the consumable installation state. Instead of physically inspecting each component, the system uses sensors to detect and record the installation status, allowing for rapid and accurate verification without time-consuming manual procedures
4Device complexity
If shared air ducts are used for sample extraction and PCR amplification areas, then the device structure is simple, but the contamination risk increases due to aerosol spread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air handling system into separate, independent air ducts for different functional areas. The sample extraction area has its own dedicated air duct, while the PCR amplification area has a separate air duct. This segmentation prevents aerosol generated in one area from spreading to another, eliminating cross-contamination risks while maintaining reasonable device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the air handling systems for different functional areas from a shared configuration into separate, independent systems. By taking out the air ducts serving the sample extraction and PCR amplification areas and making them independent, the patent eliminates the contamination pathway while keeping the overall device design practical
Data Source
AI summary
An all-in-one machine for sample testing and a corresponding control method thereof are disclosed. The all-in-one machine is divided into an upper portion driven by an upper driving unit and a lower portion driven by a lower driving unit. Through the coordinated movement of the upper driving unit and the lower driving unit, the movement process can achieve both high speed and high precision, thus improving the testing efficiency and accuracy. The lower driving unit can achieve a larger range of movement adjustment to meet various extreme distance requirements. Corresponding uncapping/capping mechanisms are designed for sample tubes, extraction kits, and amplification kits to achieve automated uncapping/capping operations. The effective connection of disposable medical consumables is ensured through a process operation monitoring module. By designing separate air ducts, the internal interference of the equipment is minimized and the risk of contamination is reduced.