Active-Warming Cartridge With Embedded Elements for Uniform Reagent Thawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for warming reagents in consumable cartridges for biochemical analysis are lengthy and can result in uneven temperatures, which can adversely impact the reagents and other components.
Innovation Solution
Integration of active warming elements, such as conductive carbon, conductive wires, or resistive tape, within the cartridge walls to control and evenly heat reagents to target temperatures, using power source connectors and potentially controlled by RFID transponders or barcodes for precise heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If passive warming methods are used for reagents in consumable cartridges, then the warming process is simple in design, but the warming time is lengthy and temperature distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive thermal conduction (mechanical heat transfer) with active electromagnetic heating (Joule heating) by embedding conductive carbon or resistive tape elements within the cartridge housing. These elements convert electrical energy directly into heat at the reagent interface, dramatically reducing warming time from hours to minutes while ensuring uniform temperature distribution through controlled electrical power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and thermal properties of the cartridge housing by embedding conductive materials (conductive carbon or resistive tape) that can be electrically activated. This transforms the housing from a passive structural component into an active heating element, enabling precise control of heating parameters (power, duration, distribution) to achieve rapid and uniform reagent warming.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external warming methods are used, then the cartridge structure remains simple, but hot spots are created that adversely impact reagents and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the heating elements (conductive carbon or resistive tape) directly within the cartridge housing structure, nesting the functional heating component inside the structural shell. This integrated approach eliminates the need for separate external warming devices while distributing heat uniformly throughout the reagent chambers, preventing hot spots without significantly increasing overall cartridge complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies heating elements selectively at specific locations within the cartridge housing that are proximate to reagent chambers. The conductive carbon or resistive tape is positioned to create localized heating zones exactly where needed, ensuring uniform temperature distribution in the reagent volumes while avoiding overheating of other cartridge components.
3Productivity
If active warming elements are embedded within the housing, then warming speed increases and temperature uniformity improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes conductive carbon, which can be incorporated into the housing material as a porous or distributed conductive network. This approach allows the heating functionality to be integrated during the housing manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring separate assembly steps for embedding discrete heating elements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining rapid and uniform warming performance.
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
Achieves rapid and uniform heating of reagents to operational temperatures without hot spots, reducing downtime and increasing the throughput of biochemical analyses.
Implementation Method 1
The active warming element is to thaw the volume of reagent within the chamber responsive to providing electrical power to the power source connector
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for constructing and utilizing a cartridge having one or more active warming elements. A cartridge can include a housing, an active warming element, and a power source connector. The housing can define a chamber storing a volume of reagent therein. The active warming element can be embedded within the housing and positioned proximate to the chamber. The power source connector can be coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the active warming element embedded within the housing. The active warming element is to thaw the volume of reagent within the chamber responsive to providing electrical power to the power source connector.