A rotary PCR instrument

Abstract

This invention relates to a rotary PCR instrument, in which a constant-temperature hot zone plate is nested inside a constant-temperature cold zone plate; the constant-temperature cold zone plate has multiple first PCR lumens and multiple first temperature probe mounting holes; the constant-temperature hot zone plate has multiple second PCR lumens and second temperature probe mounting holes; a stepper motor is mounted on the base, and the output end of the stepper motor is connected to a rotating structure; a linear motor is mounted at the bottom of the base, and the output rod of the linear motor passes upward through the constant-temperature hot zone plate and pushes at least part of the rotating structure; the rotating structure drives the PCR tubes to rotate and change position between the first PCR lumens and the second PCR lumens. This invention, through nested hot and cold zones, rotary switching, linear lifting, and independent temperature measurement structures, reduces the overall size of the instrument, improves portability, avoids repeated heating and cooling of the same module, improves temperature zone switching and temperature control efficiency, accurately controls temperature, and ensures stable and efficient PCR amplification, thus solving the technical defects of traditional PCR instruments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to PCR instruments, and more specifically to a rotary PCR instrument. Background Technology

[0002] Nucleic acid detection technology amplifies target nucleic acid sequences and detects their content in samples to determine the target nucleic acid sequence. Rapid and efficient nucleic acid detection technologies play a crucial role in public health testing, species identification, species diversity and phylogenetic assessment, food safety testing, clinical nucleic acid testing, genetic disease screening, and life science research. By detecting the genetic material of pathogens, such as DNA or RNA, early and accurate diagnosis of diseases can be achieved, which is of key significance for disease prevention and treatment.

[0003] The rate of nucleic acid amplification directly determines the overall time required for nucleic acid testing. In some applications, traditional nucleic acid testing is time-consuming, resulting in a waste of time resources. Compared to conventional nucleic acid amplification methods, ultrafast PCR amplification technology, relying on dedicated PCR equipment and matching chemical reagents, can rapidly amplify DNA in a short time, significantly shortening the testing cycle.

[0004] Currently, conventional PCR equipment on the market generally suffers from large size and poor portability, making it difficult to meet the needs of scenarios such as rapid on-site testing and mobile use. At the same time, most existing PCR instruments adopt a single temperature zone with repeated temperature rise and fall, resulting in slow temperature zone switching, lag in temperature control, and inability to accurately obtain the real-time temperature of the reaction system inside the PCR tube. This prevents timely adjustment based on the reaction temperature, affecting amplification efficiency and the accuracy of detection results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the problems of large size, poor portability, inability to control temperature accurately in real time, and slow heating and cooling speed of the existing PCR instruments, the present invention aims to provide a rotary PCR instrument.

[0006] The rotary PCR instrument according to the present invention includes a base with a constant-temperature cold zone plate and a constant-temperature hot zone plate on its top, the constant-temperature hot zone plate being nested inside the constant-temperature cold zone plate; the constant-temperature cold zone plate has multiple first PCR tube lumens for accommodating PCR tubes for cooling and multiple first temperature probe mounting holes for mounting temperature probes; the constant-temperature hot zone plate has multiple second PCR tube lumens for accommodating PCR tubes for heating and multiple second temperature probe mounting holes for mounting temperature probes; a stepper motor is provided on the base, the output end of the stepper motor being connected to a rotating structure; a linear motor is provided at the bottom of the base, the output rod of the linear motor passing upward through the constant-temperature hot zone plate and pushing at least part of the rotating structure; the rotating structure drives the PCR tubes to rotate and change position between the first PCR tube lumen and the second PCR tube lumen. The present invention, by employing a nested cold and hot zone structure combined with a rotating switching and linear lifting mechanism, and setting a dual-region independent temperature measurement structure, can achieve rapid temperature zone switching during the PCR amplification process, while simultaneously monitoring the reaction temperature in real time, improving temperature control accuracy and amplification efficiency, and making the overall structure of the device more compact.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating structure includes a connecting plate, a telescopic rod, a PCR tube holder, and a compression spring. The connecting plate is fixedly connected to the output end of the stepper motor. The bottom of the connecting plate is fixedly connected to the telescopic rod, and the bottom end of the telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the PCR tube holder. The compression spring is sleeved on the outside of the telescopic rod, and both ends of the compression spring are fixedly connected to the connecting plate and the PCR tube holder, respectively. This invention, by setting a rotating lifting structure composed of a connecting plate, a telescopic rod, a holder, and a compression spring, can reliably complete lifting actions while achieving rotational repositioning. The structure is simple and the movement is stable, requiring no complex drive mechanism.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the PCR tube holder has a cross-shaped or star-shaped structure, with through holes for placing PCR tubes at the ends of its multiple arms, and rubber rings provided on the inner walls of the through holes. This invention, by employing a cross-shaped or star-shaped tube holder structure in conjunction with rubber rings, enables the PCR tubes to be arranged evenly and rationally, while improving the fit and fit of the assembly.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the number of through holes on the first PCR tube, the second PCR tube, and the PCR tube holder are consistent, and their distribution patterns correspond to each other. The stepper motor drives the rotating structure to rotate by a set angle, ensuring precise alignment of the PCR tubes between the first and second PCR tube lumens. This invention, by matching the number and distribution of each well and using a set angle for rotational alignment, ensures accurate positioning of the PCR tubes during switching between hot and cold operating positions, avoiding misalignment that could affect temperature control.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the rubber ring tightly secures the PCR tube, increasing assembly friction and preventing the PCR tube from loosening or falling off during rotation or lifting. This invention, by incorporating a clamping rubber ring within the tube opening, effectively prevents the PCR tube from shifting or falling off during high-speed rotation and reciprocating lifting, ensuring a stable amplification process.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the PCR tube holder has a groove, and the output end of the linear motor is embedded in the groove to push the PCR tube holder upward. This invention, through the cooperation of the groove and the output end of the linear motor, enables more concentrated lifting force and smoother movement, preventing tilting during the pushing process.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the compression spring applies a downward elastic restoring force to the PCR tube holder, causing the PCR tubes to automatically fall into their corresponding PCR tube lumens as the linear motor retracts. This invention utilizes the elastic restoring force provided by the compression spring to achieve automatic descent of the PCR tube holder, eliminating the need for an additional driving descent mechanism, simplifying the structure, and improving the response speed.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the constant-temperature cold zone plate has a polygonal through-slot inside, and the constant-temperature hot zone plate is disposed within the polygonal through-slot. By creating a through-slot inside the cold zone plate to accommodate the hot zone plate, this invention further optimizes the spatial layout, reduces the overall size of the device, and improves its portability.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the outer side of the constant-temperature hot zone plate has multiple heating element mounting slots, and the center of the constant-temperature hot zone plate has a through hole through which the output rod of the linear motor passes. This invention, by arranging heating element mounting slots on the outer side of the hot zone plate and providing a through hole in the center, enables more uniform heating while providing reasonable clearance for the linear motor's pushing action, ensuring a rational structural layout.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a back plate is integrally formed on one side of the base, and the stepper motor is mounted on the back plate. This invention, by providing an integrally formed back plate on the base for mounting the stepper motor, improves the motor mounting stability and overall structural strength, while simplifying the assembly process.

[0016] This invention employs a nested hot and cold zone structure, combined with a rotatable rotating structure and a linear lifting mechanism, along with independent temperature measurement structures for each hot and cold zone. This effectively reduces the overall space occupied by the device, improving its portability. Simultaneously, it avoids repeated heating and cooling of the same module, significantly improving temperature zone switching speed and temperature control response efficiency. Real-time monitoring of independent temperature measurement sites allows for precise acquisition and timely adjustment of the reaction zone temperature, effectively addressing the problems of low temperature control accuracy and large temperature fluctuations. This ensures stable and efficient PCR amplification, comprehensively solving the technical shortcomings of traditional PCR instruments, such as large size, insufficient portability, slow heating and cooling rates, and limited temperature control accuracy. It achieves the technical goals of compact structure, reliable operation, precise temperature control, and rapid amplification. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the rotary PCR instrument in this embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of the rotary PCR instrument in this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a side view of the constant temperature cold zone plate in this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side view of the constant temperature hot zone plate in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating structure in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only used to complement the content disclosed in the specification for those skilled in the art to understand and read, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and purposes that this application can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application.

[0024] like Figures 1-2As shown, the rotary PCR instrument of the present invention includes a base 1, a constant temperature cold zone plate 2, a constant temperature hot zone plate 5, a back plate 8, a stepper motor 9, a rotating structure, and a linear motor 15. The base 1 serves as the supporting foundation for the entire device. The constant temperature cold zone plate 2 is fixedly installed on the top of the base 1. The constant temperature hot zone plate 5 is also located on the top of the base 1 and nested within the inner region of the constant temperature cold zone plate 2. A back plate 8 is integrally machined on one side of the base 1 to support the stepper motor 9. The stepper motor 9 is installed on one side of the back plate 8 and is positioned above the constant temperature cold zone plate 2 and the constant temperature hot zone plate 5. The output end of the stepper motor 9 is connected to the rotating structure to drive the rotating structure for rotational repositioning. The linear motor 15 is installed at the bottom of the base 1 and extends upward through the constant temperature hot zone plate 5. Its output end is used to push upward against the PCR tube fixing component located above, thereby achieving the lifting action of the PCR tube.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the constant temperature cold zone plate 2 has multiple first PCR tube lumens 3 inside. In this embodiment, there are four first PCR tube lumens 3, evenly distributed in a cross shape. The first PCR tube lumens 3 are used to place PCR tubes and provide a cooling station for the PCR tubes. The top of the constant temperature cold zone plate 2 has multiple first temperature probe mounting holes 4. The first temperature probe mounting holes 4 are used to install temperature probes to monitor the cold zone temperature in real time. The interior of the constant temperature cold zone plate 2 has a polygonal through slot. The constant temperature hot zone plate 5 is placed inside the polygonal through slot, so that the cold and hot zones form a nested layout, resulting in a compact overall structure, smaller size, and easy portability.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the constant temperature hot zone plate 5 has multiple second PCR tube cavities 6 inside. In this embodiment, there are four second PCR tube cavities 6, evenly distributed in a cross shape, corresponding to the number and distribution of the first PCR tube cavities 3. The second PCR tube cavities 6 are used to place PCR tubes and provide a heating station for the PCR tubes. The top of the constant temperature hot zone plate 5 has multiple second temperature probe mounting holes 7, which are used to install temperature probes to monitor the temperature of the hot zone in real time. The outer side of the constant temperature hot zone plate 5 is machined with multiple heating element mounting slots 16 for installing heating elements to provide a stable heat source for the hot zone to achieve constant temperature heating. A through hole is opened in the middle of the constant temperature hot zone plate 5, through which the output rod of the linear motor 15 passes, providing clearance for the lifting action.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the rotating structure includes a connecting plate 10, a telescopic rod 11, a PCR tube holder 12, a rubber ring 13, and a compression spring 14. The connecting plate 10 is fixedly connected to the output end of the stepper motor 9 and is driven to rotate by the stepper motor 9. The bottom of the connecting plate 10 is fixedly connected to the telescopic rod 11. The bottom end of the telescopic rod 11 is fixedly connected to the PCR tube holder 12. A compression spring 14 is sleeved on the outside of the telescopic rod 11. The two ends of the compression spring 14 are fixedly connected to the PCR tube holder 12 and the connecting plate 10, respectively. The compression spring 14 is used to provide downward reset pressure for the PCR tube holder 12. The PCR tube holder 12 has a cross-shaped / star-shaped structure. The ends of its four arms are all provided with through holes for placing PCR tubes. The number of through holes is consistent with the number of the first PCR tube lumen 3 and the second PCR tube lumen 6, and their positions correspond to each other. A rubber ring 13 is fastened to the inner wall of the through hole. The rubber ring 13 is used to clamp and fix the PCR tube, increase friction, and prevent loosening or falling off. The bottom of the PCR tube holder 12 has a groove, and the output end of the linear motor 15 is embedded in the groove, so that the linear motor 15 can stably push the PCR tube holder 12 upward.

[0028] When in use, install the PCR tubes inside the rubber rings 13 with four through holes in the PCR tube holder 12, and secure them with the rubber rings 13.

[0029] 1) Heating stage: The PCR tube is placed in the second PCR tube cavity 6 inside the constant temperature hot zone plate 5 and heated by the heating pad; the temperature probe in the second temperature probe mounting hole 7 monitors the temperature in real time to ensure that the heating temperature is accurate and controllable.

[0030] 2) Lifting stage: When cooling is required, start the linear motor 15. The linear motor 15 pushes the PCR tube holder 12 upward, causing the PCR tube holder 12 to disengage the PCR tube from the second PCR tube lumen 6. At this time, the telescopic rod 11 retracts, and the compression spring 14 undergoes elastic deformation and stores elastic potential energy.

[0031] 3) Rotation Switching Stage: The stepper motor 9 is activated. Since the PCR tube holder 12, the first PCR tube lumen 3, and the second PCR tube lumen 6 all adopt a cross-shaped layout with four corresponding holes, the stepper motor 9 drives the PCR tube holder 12 to rotate 45°, allowing the PCR tubes to precisely align with the workstation and switch the PCR tubes from above the heating workstation to above the cooling workstation. It is understood that the number of through holes on the PCR tube holder 12, and the number of the first PCR tube lumen 3 and the second PCR tube lumen 6, can be adaptively increased or decreased according to usage requirements, as long as the number of the three is consistent and their distribution is corresponding. The rotation angle can also be adaptively adjusted according to the number of holes, all of which are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0032] 4) Falling and cooling stage: The linear motor 15 retracts, the spring 14 elastically resets and pushes the PCR tube holder 12 downward, so that the PCR tube falls into the first PCR tube cavity 3 inside the constant temperature cold zone plate 2 for cooling; the temperature probe in the first temperature probe mounting hole 4 monitors the temperature in real time, so that the system can adjust in time according to the real-time temperature.

[0033] By employing a cycle of heating, lifting, rotating, falling, and cooling, a rapid temperature-controlled cycle for PCR amplification is achieved, significantly increasing the amplification speed.

[0034] This embodiment utilizes a rotating switching structure with a split-type constant-temperature cold zone plate 2 and a constant-temperature hot zone plate 5 to avoid repeated heating and cooling of the same module, achieving ultra-fast heating and cooling. Real-time temperature monitoring of the cold and hot zones is achieved through the first temperature probe mounting hole 4 and the second temperature probe mounting hole 7, respectively, enabling precise acquisition and timely adjustment of the real-time temperature at the PCR tube location, significantly improving temperature control accuracy and amplification stability. The overall design employs a nested layout and a rotating drive structure, resulting in a compact, small, and highly portable design, solving the technical problems of existing PCR instruments such as large size, inconvenience in portability, inability to achieve precise real-time temperature control, and slow amplification rates.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of the present invention can be combined or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in the present invention. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of the present invention can be combined or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of the present invention. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rotary PCR instrument comprising a base (1), characterized in that, The base (1) has a constant temperature cold zone plate (2) and a constant temperature hot zone plate (5) at its top. The constant temperature hot zone plate (5) is nested inside the constant temperature cold zone plate (2). The constant temperature cold zone plate (2) has multiple first PCR tube cavities (3) for accommodating PCR tubes to achieve cooling and multiple first temperature probe mounting holes (4) for installing temperature probes. The constant temperature hot zone plate (5) has multiple second PCR tube cavities (6) for accommodating PCR tubes to achieve heating and multiple second temperature probe mounting holes (7) for installing temperature probes. The base (1) has a stepper motor (9) with a rotating structure connected to its output end. The base (1) has a linear motor (15) at its bottom. The output rod of the linear motor (15) passes through the constant temperature hot zone plate (5) and pushes at least part of the rotating structure. The rotating structure drives the PCR tubes to rotate and change position between the first PCR tube cavity (3) and the second PCR tube cavity (6).

2. The rotary PCR machine according to claim 1, wherein The rotating structure includes a connecting plate (10), a telescopic rod (11), a PCR tube holder (12), and a compression spring (14). The connecting plate (10) is fixedly connected to the output end of the stepper motor (9). The bottom of the connecting plate (10) is fixedly connected to the telescopic rod (11), and the bottom end of the telescopic rod (11) is fixedly connected to the PCR tube holder (12). The compression spring (14) is sleeved on the outside of the telescopic rod (11), and both ends of the compression spring (14) are fixedly connected to the connecting plate (10) and the PCR tube holder (12), respectively.

3. The rotary PCR machine according to claim 2, wherein The PCR tube holder (12) has a cross-shaped or star-shaped structure, and the ends of its multiple arms are respectively provided with through holes for placing PCR tubes. The inner wall of the through hole is provided with a rubber ring (13).

4. The rotary PCR instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of through holes on the first PCR tube lumen (3), the second PCR tube lumen (6), and the PCR tube holder (12) are the same and their distribution patterns correspond to each other; the stepper motor (9) drives the rotating structure to rotate at a set angle so that the PCR tube is precisely aligned between the first PCR tube lumen (3) and the second PCR tube lumen (6).

5. The rotary PCR instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rubber ring (13) holds the PCR tube tightly, increases the assembly friction, and prevents the PCR tube from loosening or falling off during rotation or lifting.

6. The rotary PCR instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the PCR tube holder (12) is provided with a groove, and the output end of the linear motor (15) is embedded in the groove and pushes the PCR tube holder (12) upward.

7. The rotary PCR instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that, The compression spring (14) applies a downward elastic restoring force to the PCR tube holder (12), causing the PCR tube to automatically fall into the corresponding PCR tube cavity as the linear motor (15) retracts.

8. The rotary PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The constant temperature cold zone plate (2) has a polygonal through groove inside, and the constant temperature hot zone plate (5) is disposed in the polygonal through groove.

9. The rotary PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The constant temperature hot zone plate (5) has multiple heating element mounting slots (16) on its outer side, and a through hole is provided in the middle of the constant temperature hot zone plate (5), through which the output rod of the linear motor (15) passes.

10. The rotary PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) has a back plate (8) integrally provided on one side, and the stepper motor (9) is mounted on the back plate (8).

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