Amplification detection device and nucleic acid all-in-one machine
By using semiconductor cooling chips and thermal conductive components in nucleic acid detection equipment, the problem of inaccurate temperature control has been solved, achieving high-precision temperature control and equipment miniaturization, thereby improving the accuracy of detection results.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422922086.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-28
AI Technical Summary
Traditional nucleic acid testing equipment lacks precise temperature control during the amplification process, affecting the sensitivity and accuracy of the test results.
The temperature of PCR tubes is controlled by a semiconductor cooling chip, combined with components such as a heat-conducting plate, heat sink, fan, and heat pipe to achieve high-precision temperature control, replacing the separate heating and cooling systems and reducing the size of the equipment.
It achieves high-precision control of PCR tube temperature, improves the sensitivity and accuracy of detection results, and simplifies the equipment structure.
Smart Images
Figure CN223535103U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of nucleic acid detection technology, specifically to an amplification detection device and an integrated nucleic acid detection machine. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of molecular biology and gene detection technologies, nucleic acid testing has become an important tool in modern clinical diagnosis, disease screening, and infection surveillance. Traditional nucleic acid testing methods typically involve complex steps and time-consuming experimental processes, such as nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection. This not only increases the operational difficulty but also prolongs the overall testing time, limiting its widespread application in rapid clinical diagnosis. Fully automated nucleic acid testing equipment has become a key solution for improving work efficiency and reducing operational errors. These devices integrate nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection processes to meet the high-throughput needs of clinical practice, research, and large-scale screening.
[0003] Traditional equipment suffers from imprecise temperature control during the amplification process, which can affect the sensitivity and accuracy of the detection results. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose an amplification detection device and nucleic acid integrated machine to solve the technical problem of insufficient temperature control during amplification in the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides an amplification detection device, comprising:
[0007] The amplification unit includes a placement seat, a thermoelectric cooler, and a temperature control device. The placement seat is located on the upper surface of the thermoelectric cooler and has several placement tubes with upper openings for placing PCR tubes. The temperature control device is located below the thermoelectric cooler for adjusting the temperature of the lower surface of the thermoelectric cooler.
[0008] The detection unit includes a photometric module, which is arranged facing the placement base to measure the light intensity of the PCR tube.
[0009] In some embodiments, the placement tube has a first light metering aperture, and the light metering module is arranged facing the first light metering aperture.
[0010] In some embodiments, the temperature control device includes a heat-conducting plate, a heat sink, and a fan. The upper surface of the heat-conducting plate is attached to the lower surface of the thermoelectric cooler. Multiple heat sinks are fixedly connected to the heat-conducting plate, and the fan is arranged facing the heat sink.
[0011] In some embodiments, the temperature control device further includes a heat pipe, a groove is formed on the upper surface of the heat-conducting plate, the upper end of the heat pipe is disposed in the groove and abuts against the lower surface of the semiconductor cooling chip, and the lower end of the heat pipe extends out of the groove and is connected to the heat sink for heat conduction.
[0012] In some embodiments, the amplification unit further includes a heat insulation cover, which is disposed on the placement tube and has a plurality of second photometer holes corresponding one-to-one with the first photometer holes.
[0013] In some embodiments, both the upper and lower surfaces of the thermoelectric cooler are coated with thermal grease to fill the gaps between the thermoelectric cooler and the mounting base, heat-conducting plate, and heat pipe.
[0014] In some embodiments, the detection unit further includes a mounting frame and a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism and the amplification unit are respectively disposed on the mounting frame. The displacement mechanism is also connected to the photometric module to drive the photometric module to measure the light of different PCR tubes.
[0015] In some embodiments, the displacement mechanism includes a guide rail, a drive motor, a lead screw, and a moving block. The guide rail and the drive motor are respectively mounted on a mounting bracket. The rotation shaft of the drive motor is coaxially and fixedly connected to the lead screw to drive the lead screw to rotate around its own axis. The lead screw is arranged parallel to the guide rail. The moving block has a threaded through hole that matches the lead screw. The moving block is sleeved on the lead screw through the threaded through hole. The moving block also has a sliding groove that matches the guide rail. The moving block and the guide rail are slidably connected. The moving block is fixedly connected to the photometric module.
[0016] In some embodiments, the detection unit further includes two photoelectric sensors and a light-blocking plate. The photoelectric sensors are mounted on the mounting bracket and are located at the start and end points of the motion trajectory of the photometer module, respectively. The light-blocking plate is fixedly connected to the photometer module.
[0017] Secondly, this utility model also provides a nucleic acid integrated machine, including an amplification and detection device.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the nucleic acid integrated machine provided by this utility model has a novel amplification and detection device. This amplification and detection device uses a semiconductor cooling chip to regulate the temperature of the PCR tube. The semiconductor cooling chip can achieve high-precision temperature control by controlling the input current. At the same time, the semiconductor cooling chip can both cool and heat, which can replace the separate heating and cooling systems and reduce the size of the nucleic acid integrated machine. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the amplification detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the amplification unit;
[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the detection unit. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.
[0023] To address the technical problem of insufficient temperature control during amplification in nucleic acid integrated machines, this invention provides an amplification detection device and a nucleic acid integrated machine. It utilizes a semiconductor cooling chip to regulate the temperature of the PCR tube. By controlling the input current, the semiconductor cooling chip can achieve high-precision temperature control.
[0024] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the amplification detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the amplification unit. The amplification and detection device includes: amplification unit 1 and detection unit 2.
[0025] The amplification unit 1 includes a placement seat 11, a thermoelectric cooler 12, and a temperature control device 13. The placement seat 11 is disposed on the upper surface of the thermoelectric cooler 12 and has several placement tubes with upper openings for placing PCR tubes containing samples to be tested. The temperature control device 13 is disposed below the thermoelectric cooler 12 for adjusting the temperature of the lower surface of the thermoelectric cooler 12.
[0026] The thermoelectric cooler 12 is a heat transfer device, where heat is transferred from one side to the other, creating a temperature difference and forming hot and cold ends. However, heat between the two sides also flows in the opposite direction through the air and the semiconductor material itself. When the hot and cold ends reach a certain temperature difference, and the amounts of these two types of heat transfer are equal, an equilibrium point is reached, and the forward and reverse heat transfers cancel each other out. At this point, the temperature of the hot and cold ends will not continue to change. To improve heat transfer efficiency, the temperature control device 13 adjusts the temperature of the lower surface of the thermoelectric cooler 12 to reduce the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces.
[0027] The thermoelectric cooler 12 can function as both a heater and a cooler. When the thermoelectric cooler 12 heats the PCR tube, its upper surface is the hot end and its lower surface is the cold end, transferring heat from the lower surface to the upper surface. The temperature control device 13 dissipates heat from the lower surface of the thermoelectric cooler 12 to improve heat transfer efficiency. When the thermoelectric cooler 12 cools the PCR tube, its upper surface is the cold end and its lower surface is the hot end, transferring heat from the upper surface to the lower surface. The temperature control device 13 dissipates heat from the lower surface of the thermoelectric cooler 12 to improve heat transfer efficiency.
[0028] The detection unit 2 includes a photometric module 21, which is positioned facing the placement base 11 to measure the light intensity of the PCR tube. The photometric module 21 can emit a laser to excite the fluorescent substances in the sample to produce fluorescence, and simultaneously perform fluorescence measurement.
[0029] In some embodiments, the placement tube of the placement holder 11 has a first photometer aperture 111, and the photometer module 21 is arranged facing the first photometer aperture 111. The laser emitted by the photometer module 21 passes through the first photometer aperture 111 and irradiates the PCR tube. The placement holder 11 is preferably made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as metal. The placement tube encloses the PCR tube to ensure that the sample inside the PCR tube is heated evenly.
[0030] In some embodiments, the upper and lower surfaces of the thermoelectric cooler 12 are coated with thermal grease to fill the gaps between the thermoelectric cooler 12 and the contact surfaces of the mounting base 11 and the temperature control device 13, thereby improving the thermal conductivity.
[0031] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 13 includes a heat-conducting plate 131, a heat sink 132, and a fan 133. The upper surface of the heat-conducting plate 131 is attached to the lower surface of the thermoelectric cooler 12. Multiple heat sinks 132 are fixedly connected to the heat-conducting plate 131, and the fan 133 is arranged facing the heat sink 132. It is easy to understand that the heat sink 132 is just a conventional name. Depending on the operating state of the thermoelectric cooler 12, the heat sink 132 plays the role of heat dissipation or cooling.
[0032] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 13 further includes a heat pipe 134. A plurality of grooves are formed on the upper surface of the heat-conducting plate 131. Each heat pipe 134 corresponds to one of these grooves, with its upper end positioned within the groove and abutting against the lower surface of the semiconductor cooling chip 12. The lower end of the heat pipe 134 extends out of the groove and connects to the heat sink 132 for heat conduction. The heat pipe 134 consists of a shell, a wick, and end caps. The shell provides structural support for the heat pipe 134. The wick is made of a capillary porous material and is responsible for liquid reflux. The end caps are used to seal both ends of the heat pipe 134. The interior of the heat pipe 134 is evaporated under negative pressure and filled with a suitable liquid with a low boiling point and easy evaporation. The pipe wall has a wick. One end of the heat pipe 134 is the evaporation end, and the other end is the condensation end. When the evaporation end is heated, the liquid evaporates rapidly, and the resulting vapor flows to the condensation end under a small pressure difference. The vapor releases heat at the condenser end and recondenses into liquid. The liquid then flows back to the evaporator end through the capillary action of the wick, completing one cycle. The heat pipe 134 provides faster thermal conductivity, allowing for quicker heat transfer between the thermoelectric cooler 12 and the heat sink 132.
[0033] Correspondingly, thermally conductive silicone grease on the lower surface of the semiconductor cooling chip 12 fills the gap between the heat-conducting plate 131 and the heat pipe 134 to improve thermal conductivity.
[0034] In some embodiments, the amplification unit 1 further includes a heat preservation cover 14, which covers the placement tube. The heat preservation cover 14 has a plurality of second photometer holes 141 corresponding one-to-one with the first photometer hole 111. The laser emitted by the photometer module 21 passes through the second photometer holes 141 and the first photometer holes 111 in sequence. The heat preservation cover 14 can further maintain the temperature stability of the sample in the PCR tube and improve the measurement accuracy.
[0035] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the detection unit is shown. In this embodiment, the photometric module 21 adopts a four-channel (FAM, ROX, VIC, CY5) photometric module, which can emit four kinds of excitation light sources.
[0036] In some embodiments, the detection unit 2 further includes a mounting frame 22 and a displacement mechanism 23. The displacement mechanism 23 and the amplification unit 1 are respectively disposed on the mounting frame 22. The displacement mechanism 23 is also connected to the photometric module 21 to drive the photometric module 21 to move, thereby using a suitable excitation light source to measure the photometric properties of different PCR tubes.
[0037] In some embodiments, the displacement mechanism 23 includes a guide rail 231, a drive motor 232, a lead screw 233, and a moving block 234. The guide rail 231 and the drive motor 232 are respectively mounted on the mounting bracket 22. The rotation shaft of the drive motor 232 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the lead screw 233 to drive the lead screw 233 to rotate around its own axis. The lead screw 233 is arranged parallel to the guide rail 231. The moving block 234 has a threaded through hole that matches the lead screw 233. The moving block 234 is sleeved on the lead screw 233 through the threaded through hole. The moving block 234 also has a sliding groove that matches the guide rail 231. The moving block 234 and the guide rail 231 are slidably connected. The moving block 234 is fixedly connected to the photometric module 21.
[0038] By rotating the shaft of the drive motor 232 in different directions, the moving block 234 and the photometering module 21 can be driven to reciprocate along the guide rail 231. It is easy to understand that the projections of the first photometering aperture 111 and the second photometering aperture 141 are both located on the movement path of the photometering module 21.
[0039] In some embodiments, the detection unit 2 further includes two photoelectric sensors 24 and a light-blocking plate 25. The photoelectric sensors 24 are mounted on the mounting bracket 22 and are located at the start and end points of the motion trajectory of the photometer module 21, respectively. The light-blocking plate 25 is fixedly connected to the photometer module 21. When the photometer module 21 moves to the starting position, the light-blocking plate 25 blocks the light signal transmission of the photoelectric sensor 24 at the starting position, and the system can determine that the photometer module 21 has moved to the starting position. When the photometer module 21 moves to the ending position, the light-blocking plate 25 blocks the light signal transmission of the photoelectric sensor 24 at the ending position, and the system can determine that the photometer module 21 has moved to the ending position.
[0040] In some embodiments, the detection unit 2 further includes two limiting blocks 26, which are mounted on the mounting bracket 22 and located at both ends of the guide rail 231. When the moving block 234 moves along the guide rail 231, it will collide with the limiting blocks 26 to prevent the moving block 234 from sliding out of the guide rail 231.
[0041] This invention also provides a nucleic acid integrated machine, which includes the aforementioned amplification and detection device.
[0042] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. An amplification detection device, characterized in that, include: An amplification unit includes a placement seat, a thermoelectric cooler, and a temperature control device. The placement seat is disposed on the upper surface of the thermoelectric cooler and has a plurality of placement tubes with upper openings for placing PCR tubes. The temperature control device is disposed below the thermoelectric cooler for adjusting the temperature of the lower surface of the thermoelectric cooler. The detection unit includes a photometric module, which is arranged facing the placement base to measure the photometry of the PCR tube.
2. The amplification detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The placement tube has a first light metering hole, and the light metering module is arranged facing the first light metering hole.
3. The amplification detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control device includes a heat-conducting plate, heat sinks, and a fan. The upper surface of the heat-conducting plate is attached to the lower surface of the semiconductor cooling chip. Multiple heat sinks are fixedly connected to the heat-conducting plate, and the fan is arranged facing the heat sinks.
4. The amplification detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The temperature control device also includes a heat pipe. A groove is formed on the upper surface of the heat-conducting plate. The upper end of the heat pipe is arranged in the groove and abuts against the lower surface of the semiconductor cooling chip. The lower end of the heat pipe extends out of the groove and is connected to the heat sink for heat conduction.
5. The amplification detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The amplification unit also includes a heat insulation cover, which is placed on the placement tube and has a plurality of second photometer holes that correspond one-to-one with the first photometer holes.
6. The amplification detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The upper and lower surfaces of the semiconductor cooling chip are coated with thermal grease to fill the gaps between the semiconductor cooling chip and the mounting base, the heat-conducting plate, and the heat pipe.
7. The amplification detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit also includes a mounting frame and a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism and the amplification unit are respectively disposed on the mounting frame. The displacement mechanism is also connected to the photometric module to drive the photometric module to measure the light of different PCR tubes.
8. The amplification detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The displacement mechanism includes a guide rail, a drive motor, a lead screw, and a moving block. The guide rail and the drive motor are respectively mounted on the mounting bracket. The rotation shaft of the drive motor is coaxially and fixedly connected to the lead screw to drive the lead screw to rotate around its own axis. The lead screw is arranged parallel to the guide rail. The moving block has a threaded through hole that matches the lead screw. The moving block is sleeved on the lead screw through the threaded through hole. The moving block also has a sliding groove that matches the guide rail. The moving block and the guide rail are slidably connected. The moving block is fixedly connected to the photometric module.
9. The amplification detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The detection unit also includes two photoelectric sensors and a light-blocking plate. The photoelectric sensors are mounted on the mounting bracket and are located at the starting and ending points of the motion trajectory of the photometer module, respectively. The light-blocking plate is fixedly connected to the photometer module.
10. A nucleic acid testing integrated machine, characterized in that, Includes the amplification detection device as described in any one of claims 1-9.