Biological Sample Analyzer With Two-Stage Thermal Warming Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biological sample analyzers take a long time to heat consumable holders to the target temperature, and refrigerated consumable holders can lead to analysis errors or rejection, necessitating redesigns that render obsolete existing consumable holders.

Innovation Solution

The analyzer applies an elevated temperature above the target temperature and uses a fan to rapidly cool the consumable holder, adjusting heating based on temperature sensors and airflow to ensure it reaches the target temperature efficiently, while accommodating refrigerated consumable holders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional heating methods are used to heat consumable holders to target temperature, then the consumable holder reaches the required temperature for analysis, but the heating time is excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget temperatureVSAvoidheating time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary heating of the receptacle to an elevated temperature before the consumable holder is inserted. This pre-heating action prepares the thermal environment in advance, so that when the consumable holder is inserted, the temperature differential immediately drives rapid heat transfer, significantly reducing the overall heating time while maintaining accurate target temperature achievement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If elevated temperature is applied to reduce heating time, then heating speed increases, but the risk of overheating and analysis errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating speedVSAvoidanalysis accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs temperature sensors that continuously monitor the consumable holder temperature and provide feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the heating element power in real-time based on this feedback, ensuring the temperature reaches the target accurately without overheating. This closed-loop control maintains high heating speed while guaranteeing analysis reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system dynamically adjusts its operation in two phases: initially applying elevated temperature for rapid heating, then automatically reducing power as the target temperature approaches. This dynamic control strategy maximizes heating speed during the critical early phase while preventing overheating in the final phase, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If refrigerated consumable holders are used to extend shelf life, then consumable holder stability is improved, but heating uniformity and analysis accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumable holder stabilityVSAvoidheating uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies localized heating through heating elements positioned in direct thermal contact with the receptacle walls. This creates concentrated heat zones that efficiently transfer thermal energy to the consumable holder. The localized heating approach ensures uniform temperature distribution throughout the consumable holder even when starting from refrigerated temperatures, maintaining both stability and heating precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 method significantly reduces heating time and ensures accurate analysis by quickly adjusting to the target temperature, preventing overheating and extending consumable holder shelf life.

Implementation Method 1

causing a heater to heat the receptacle to an elevated temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

causing a fan to force air flow over the receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

the receptacle configured to support the consumable holder, where the receptacle is heated to an elevated temperature above a target temperature of the consumable holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12385931B2Biological sample analyzer with accelerated thermal warming

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

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.