Biological Sample Analyzer Forced Air Convection Plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biological sample analyzers take too long to heat diagnostic consumable holders to the target temperature, and they do not account for refrigerated consumable holders, which can result in biased analysis or the need for a new sample.
Innovation Solution
The biological sample analyzer accelerates heating by setting at least one heater to an elevated temperature above the target temperature and rapidly cooling it to prevent overheating. It also detects cold consumable holders and adjusts heating to bring them to the target temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional heating is used to heat consumable holders to target temperature, then the heating process is simple and safe, but the heating time is too long which delays analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the consumable holder before the actual analysis begins. The heater is activated early to preheat the holder, so that when the sample is introduced, the holder is already at or near the target temperature, significantly reducing the heating time during the analysis process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heating parameters dynamically by adjusting the heater power output based on real-time temperature feedback. The controller modifies heating intensity throughout the process - using higher power initially for rapid heating, then reducing power as the target temperature is approached to prevent overheating and ensure precise temperature control.
2Speed
If heater temperature is raised above target temperature to accelerate heating, then heating speed increases, but overheating may occur which damages the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback control mechanism where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the consumable holder temperature and sends this information to the controller. The controller adjusts the heater power in real-time based on this feedback, allowing the system to safely operate at elevated temperatures for rapid heating while automatically reducing power before the target temperature is reached, thus preventing overheating and sample damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system transitions from a static, constant-power heating approach to a dynamic, variable-power heating approach. The heater power is continuously adjusted during the heating process based on the temperature difference between current and target temperature, enabling rapid heating when the gap is large and precise control when the gap is small.
3Stability of the object's composition
If refrigerated consumable holders are used to extend reagent shelf life, then storage stability is improved, but the cold holders require additional heating time and may cause biased analysis if not properly heated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating specifically tailored for cold consumable holders. When a refrigerated holder is detected, the controller activates the heater earlier and maintains higher power for an extended preliminary period to ensure the holder reaches the target temperature before the analysis begins, eliminating temperature-related biases without requiring manual pre-warming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters based on the initial temperature of the consumable holder. For refrigerated holders, the controller increases both the duration and intensity of heating compared to ambient temperature holders, using temperature feedback to optimize the heating curve and ensure accurate temperature control throughout the process.
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 approach reduces the time needed to heat consumable holders and ensures accurate analysis by properly heating refrigerated consumable holders, thereby preventing biases and delays.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heater disposed with the plenum and configured to apply heat to the receptacle and/or the consumable holder so as to heat the consumable holder when the consumable holder is supported by the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
a fan configured to force air along a path that extends from the air intake, through the air gap, and to the air exhaust so as to cool the heater
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a biological sample analyzer has a housing having at least one outer wall that defines a cavity therein, an air intake, and an air exhaust. A plenum is disposed within the cavity and has at least one plenum wall that defines an air duct therein. A receptacle, which can support a consumable holder containing a biological sample, is disposed within the internal cavity. At least a portion of the receptacle is supported within the air duct such that an air gap is defined between the receptacle and the at least one plenum wall. A heater applies heat to the consumable holder so as to heat the consumable holder when the consumable holder is supported by the receptacle. A fan forces air along a path that extends from the air intake, through the air gap, and to the air exhaust so as to cool the heater.