Biological Sample Analyzer Thermal Warming Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biological sample analyzers take too long to heat consumable holders to the target temperature, and refrigerated consumable holders can cause analysis errors or rejection, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The analyzer accelerates heating by using an elevated temperature and rapid cooling methods, including fan-assisted air circulation, to quickly reach the target temperature while preventing overheating, and detects refrigerated consumable holders to adjust heating accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If samples are transported and stored on ice to maintain stability, then sample degradation is prevented, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming to thaw before analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the cooling function (ice storage) from the heating function (rapid thawing device). Samples are stored in standard refrigerated conditions, then quickly transferred to the analyzer's integrated heating unit that applies focused thermal energy to specific sample locations, eliminating the need for complex integrated cooling-heating systems in portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal transfer medium (heating block or plate) as an intermediary between the heat source and samples. This mediator efficiently transfers thermal energy from the heating element to multiple samples simultaneously, enabling rapid and uniform thawing while maintaining simple device architecture.
2Reliability
If samples are kept on ice during transport, then sample integrity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to thawing time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of samples during transport using simple refrigerated storage, then applies rapid heating immediately before analysis. This preliminary action maintains sample integrity during transport while enabling quick preparation for analysis, eliminating the need for prolonged thawing periods and increasing overall throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system operates in periodic cycles, rapidly heating samples to thawing temperature, then allowing brief cooling periods between analyses. This periodic heating-cooling action maintains sample integrity while minimizing total preparation time, enabling higher analysis throughput compared to continuous thawing methods.
3Productivity
If rapid heating is applied to thaw samples, then productivity increases, but temperature control becomes difficult and sample degradation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system applies thermal energy locally to specific sample locations rather than heating the entire device. The heating block or plate contacts only the sample-containing areas, concentrating thermal energy where needed while maintaining precise temperature control. This localized heating enables rapid thawing without overheating other components or causing sample degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters (power level, duration, heating block temperature) based on sample requirements. The controller monitors and modifies heating intensity in real-time, enabling rapid thawing of frozen samples while preventing excessive temperature rise that could degrade temperature-sensitive analytes. This parameter optimization balances speed with temperature control precision.
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 significantly reduces heating time and ensures accurate analysis by efficiently bringing refrigerated consumable holders to the target temperature, minimizing delays and errors.
Implementation Method 1
a heating block positioned to contact the sample when the sample is in the sample holder
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a biological sample analyzer has a housing having at least one outer wall that defines a cavity therein. A receptacle, which can support a consumable holder containing a biological sample, is disposed within the cavity. At least one heater applies heat to the consumable holder when the consumable holder is supported by the receptacle. At least one heater sensor detects a temperature of the receptacle over time. A controller directs the at least one heater to apply an elevated temperature to the consumable holder and reduces an amount of heat applied to the consumable holder before the consumable holder exceeds a target temperature that is less than the elevated temperature. By applying the elevated temperature, the consumable holder can be heated quicker than if it where heated at only the target temperature.