Biochemical Reactor Temperature Control via Integrated Conductive Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biochemical reactors for convective PCR are bulky, complex, and costly, making them difficult to assemble, disassemble, and maintain, with high manufacturing costs and limited portability.
Innovation Solution
A biochemical reactor with a simple, lightweight structure featuring a temperature control device comprising a substrate with conductive layers and a heating element, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, reduced manufacturing costs, and enhanced portability, while maintaining precise temperature control for biochemical reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional biochemical reactors are used for convective PCR, then temperature control function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature control device with the vessel holder by integrating heating elements and temperature sensors directly into the holder structure. The conductive layers are formed on the holder surface, merging the support function with the thermal control function into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the vessel, provides temperature control through integrated heating elements, and enables temperature monitoring through integrated sensors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate temperature control apparatus, reducing device complexity while achieving effective temperature management.
2Temperature
If conventional biochemical reactors are used for convective PCR, then temperature control function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating temperature control components directly into the vessel holder during manufacturing, the patent eliminates the need for separate temperature control devices. This integration reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly processes, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining effective temperature control for convective PCR.
3Temperature
If conventional biochemical reactors are used for convective PCR, then temperature control function is achieved, but assembly and disassembly become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of temperature control components into the vessel holder creates a unified structure that requires fewer assembly steps. The holder with integrated heating elements and sensors can be installed as a single unit, simplifying both assembly and disassembly processes while maintaining full temperature control functionality.
4Temperature
If conventional biochemical reactors are used for convective PCR, then temperature control function is achieved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating temperature control components into the vessel holder, the patent eliminates redundant structures and reduces overall device weight. The integrated design removes the need for separate temperature control apparatus, resulting in a lighter device while maintaining effective temperature management capability.
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
The reactor is compact, lightweight, and cost-effective, enabling convenient maintenance and operation, with the ability to perform PCR reactions efficiently by establishing a temperature gradient through thermal convection, and allowing for monitoring of reaction progress via fluorescence detection.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device is used to heat the bottom of a vessel to establish a temperature gradient in a reactive reagent contained in the vessel, thereby inducing a thermal convection
Implementation Method 2
establish a temperature gradient in a reactive reagent contained in the vessel, thereby inducing a thermal convection
Data Source
AI summary
A biochemical reactor includes a temperature control device containing a substrate, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a receiving hole, and a heating element. The substrate has a through hole for accommodating the vessel; the receiving hole is adjacent to the through hole for receiving the heating element; the first conductive layer has a connecting region formed on the wall of the through hole; and two terminals of the heating element are respectively connected electrically to the first and the second conductive layers. As such, the heat generated from the heating element can be transferred to the through hole via the first conductive layer to heat the vessel.