Single Disk Analyzer Integrating Sample Pretreatment and Solid-Phase Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyzers require multiple disks for sample purification and processing, leading to increased apparatus size and reduced throughput when space is limited, as they need separate disks for different processing steps like sample pretreatment and solid-phase extraction.
Innovation Solution
An analyzer design that integrates multiple processing steps on a single disk, including a sample disk, solid-phase extraction cartridge disk, and receiver disk, with probes for transferring samples and reagents, allowing for sample pretreatment and solid-phase extraction to be conducted on the same disk, reducing the number of disks needed while maintaining throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disks are used for different processing steps (sample pretreatment, solid-phase extraction), then processing functionality is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sample pretreatment and solid-phase extraction functions onto a single disk by providing both a sample container and a solid-phase extraction cartridge on the same disk. The probe transfers liquid between these containers located on the same disk, eliminating the need for separate disks for each processing step while maintaining full processing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The disk is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously by accommodating both sample pretreatment operations and solid-phase extraction operations on the same disk structure. This multi-functional design allows the single disk to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized disks.
2Productivity
If the number of containers on disks is increased to improve throughput, then processing capacity is improved, but apparatus area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes vertical stacking of multiple disks (first disk, second disk, third disk) to increase the number of containers available for processing. By arranging disks in a vertical dimension rather than spreading them horizontally, the system can accommodate more containers and improve throughput while keeping the horizontal apparatus footprint compact.
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
This design allows for efficient processing on a single disk, reducing the overall apparatus size and maintaining throughput, enabling accurate analysis of low-level blood components like 25(OH)D3 with reduced container requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a solid-phase extraction cartridge for conducting solid-phase extraction
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis device is provided with a first disk on which a sample container and disposable container can be disposed, a second disk on which a solid-phase extraction cartridge and disposable container can be disposed, a first probe capable of transferring a sample of the sample container disposed on the first disk or a solution of the disposable container disposed on the first disk to the solid-phase extraction cartridge or disposable container disposed on the second disk, and a second probe capable of transferring a reagent of a reagent container to the sample container or disposable container disposed on the first disk and the solid-phase extraction cartridge or disposable container disposed on the second disk. Sample preprocessing before solid-phase extraction processing takes place on the first disk.