Detachable PCR Module With Array Photo Sensors For Real-Time Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional real-time PCR devices are bulky, costly, and lack mobility due to their fixed optical components, making point-of-care testing difficult and prone to errors during transportation and relocation, with complex reagent setup processes and limited communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A detachable PCR module integrated with a reader system featuring a CPU, memory, and interface, along with a photo sensor assembly and temperature sensor, allowing for real-time gene amplification monitoring and temperature control, which reduces the size and cost of the system while enabling mobility and simplified reagent handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional real-time PCR devices use fixed optical components for real-time monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a portable PCR module and a separate reader system. The PCR module contains only essential components (specimen container, reaction space) while the reader system handles complex optical measurements and data processing. This segmentation reduces the size and complexity of the PCR module while maintaining real-time monitoring capability through the separate reader system.
2Measurement precision
If conventional PCR devices are designed as isolated systems with fixed components, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the PCR module from the reader system, the PCR module becomes portable and easy to operate at point-of-care locations, while the reader system can be stationary and optimized for precise optical measurements. Users can simply insert the PCR module into the reader for analysis, eliminating the need to transport complex optical equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module acts as an intermediary between the PCR module and the reader system, enabling wireless or wired communication for data transfer and control signals. This allows the systems to function together without requiring direct physical integration of complex optical components in the portable unit.
3Measurement precision
If conventional devices require complex reagent setup processes, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time and ease of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PCR module is pre-loaded with all necessary reagents (primers, nucleotides, buffer) in sealed containers before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform complex reagent setup procedures, reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision through standardized pre-configured reaction conditions.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional PCR systems are designed as integrated units, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of manufacture and adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system is manufactured as separate modular units (PCR module and reader system) that can be independently produced and then assembled. This improves ease of manufacture by allowing each module to be optimized for its specific function with simplified manufacturing processes, while maintaining overall system integration precision through standardized interfaces.
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 solution enables compact, cost-effective, and mobile real-time PCR systems capable of rapid deployment in emergency situations, reduces reagent setup errors, and facilitates communication for reagent exchange, enhancing the sensitivity and speed of gene amplification processes.
Implementation Method 1
The photo sensors are arranged in an array shape to sense emission light generated from a specimen to generate the photo sensing signal
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor senses temperature to output the temperature signal
Implementation Method 3
The heat transfer block transmits heat to a tube in which the specimen is disposed
Data Source
AI summary
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) module is detachably combined with a reader system. The reader system includes a central processing unit (CPU) receiving a photo sensing signal to calculate gene amplification amount in real time and generating a temperature control signal based on a temperature signal and a temperature control information. The PCR module includes a photo sensor assembly, a partition wall, and an interface module. The photo sensor assembly includes a plurality of photo sensors and a temperature sensor. The photo sensors are arranged in an array shape to sense emission light generated from a specimen to generate the photo sensing signal. The partition wall is protruded from the photo sensor assembly to define a reaction space in which the specimen is received. The interface module is electrically connected to the photo sensor assembly to transmit the photo sensing signal and the temperature signal to the reader system.