dPCR Thermocycler Thermal Block Layout for Faster Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal cycling devices for PCR, particularly those used in digital PCR (dPCR), face inefficiencies in heating and cooling times, are limited in throughput, and require complex and costly maintenance, especially when handling a large number of reaction vessels, and are not optimized for simultaneous thermal cycling of multiple samples.
Innovation Solution
A thermal unit with a thermoelectric energy converter, heat transfer plate, heat sink, air fan, and exhaust air duct system is designed to efficiently dissipate thermal energy, allowing for simultaneous thermal cycling of multiple samples with separate intake and exhaust air streams, and a method to operate thermal blocks in a non-overlapping power consumption manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional thermal cycling devices are used for PCR, then nucleic acid amplification can be performed, but heating and cooling times are excessive and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal cycling device is divided into multiple independent thermal blocks, each capable of simultaneous thermal cycling. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples, significantly increasing throughput while maintaining efficient heating and cooling times for each individual block.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking arrangement of multiple thermal blocks, transitioning from a single-plane to a multi-layer configuration. This dimensional change enables simultaneous thermal cycling of multiple samples in the same device without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby improving throughput while preserving rapid thermal cycling performance.
2Measurement precision
If the number of reaction vessels is increased for dPCR, then precision and sensitivity are improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple independent thermal blocks, each handling a subset of reaction vessels. This segmentation allows the system to scale to handle large numbers of vessels (20,000 or more) while keeping each individual block relatively simple and manageable, thus maintaining measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each thermal block is designed as a universal module that can handle standard reaction vessel formats. This multi-functionality allows the system to process large numbers of vessels through repeated use of the same block design, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from handling diverse vessel types or configurations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional thermal cycling devices are used, then samples can be processed, but maintenance is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal cycling device is divided into multiple independent, modular thermal blocks. Each block can be independently maintained or replaced without affecting the others, significantly simplifying maintenance procedures and reducing costs compared to conventional monolithic designs where failure of one component requires servicing the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular thermal block design enables replacement of worn or failed blocks with new or refurbished units. This approach is more cost-effective than attempting to repair complex integrated systems, and allows for easy upgrading or calibration of individual blocks without replacing the entire device.
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 design significantly reduces heating and cooling times, increases throughput, and allows for easy replacement and calibration of thermal blocks, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of thermal cycling processes.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal block comprises at least one thermoelectric energy converter
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer plate attached to the thermoelectric energy converter for dissipation of thermal energy away from the thermoelectric energy converter
Implementation Method 3
the cooling structure comprising a heat sink, at least one air fan and an exhaust air duct, wherein the air fan providing a stream of intake air towards the second side of the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a thermal unit for a device for thermal cycling, also referred to as thermocycling, of a plurality of biological samples simultaneously, to such device itself, and also to a method for thermal cycling a plurality of biological samples simultaneously using such device and thermal unit.