臨床検査・バイオ実験自動化用8連マイクロチューブキャッパーのコンセプトモデル

抄録

We have successfully developed a microtube capper for automating polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The current design can only open and close one microtube per cycle using two DC servo motors with gears and encoders. However, to increase inspection throughput, it is crucial to be able to operate multiple microtubes in a single cycle. Therefore, we propose a new concept of an eight-station microtube capper for automating clinical laboratory and biological experiments. This new design enables the opening and closing of eight microtubes in one cycle and utilizes five DC servo motors with gears and encoders, as well as cam and link mechanisms. We have created a prototype model of the eight-station microtube capper using 3D printed parts. Basic experiments confirmed the successful opening and closing functions, indicating the feasibility of the eight-station microtube capper.