Dual-Heater Bio Sample Amplification for Low-Power Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for amplifying and detecting biological material, such as those using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), face challenges in power management and sample heating, which limits their efficiency and portability, particularly in point-of-care and remote applications.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a dual heating element system with controllers to optimize power usage by determining and adjusting the power values of the heating elements based on available source voltage and power, using pulse width modulation to efficiently heat biological samples, and incorporates a PID controller for precise temperature control, allowing for rapid and stable heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single heating element is used to heat the biological sample, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature control precision and heating efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heating arrangement is divided into two separate heating elements (first heating element and second heating element), each controlled by its own controller. This segmentation allows independent control of heating phases: the first heating element handles rapid initial heating, while the second heating element maintains precise target temperature, thereby improving temperature control precision without requiring excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system dynamically switches between two heating elements based on temperature requirements. The first controller and second controller adjust heating power dynamically during different stages of the amplification process, enabling both rapid heating and precise temperature maintenance, thus resolving the contradiction between heating efficiency and control precision
2Speed
If high power is used for rapid heating of the biological sample, then the heating speed is improved, but the power consumption increases beyond the capacity of limited power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system employs periodic action by using the first heating element for rapid initial heating during the early stage, then switching to the second heating element for maintaining temperature. This periodic switching pattern allows rapid heating when needed while conserving power during the maintenance phase, compatible with limited power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes heating parameters (power level, heating element selection) based on the amplification process stage. During isothermal amplification, the first heating element provides high power for rapid heating, then the system transitions to lower power mode with the second heating element for temperature maintenance, optimizing the balance between heating speed and power consumption
3Weight of moving object
If the device is designed for portability with limited power sources, then the device portability is improved, but the heating capability and temperature control range are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating capability is segmented into two functional parts: the first heating element for rapid heating capability and the second heating element for sustained temperature maintenance. This segmentation allows the device to achieve both rapid heating and stable temperature control using limited power sources, maintaining heating capability while ensuring portability
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system dynamically adapts its power output based on the amplification process requirements. The first controller and second controller adjust heating power in real-time, enabling the device to deliver high power when needed for rapid heating, then transition to low power mode for maintenance, thus achieving both portability and adequate heating capability
4Productivity
If manual operation is used for the diagnostic procedure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the labour required increases and testing capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service through automated temperature control and heating management. The first controller and second controller automatically adjust heating parameters based on the amplification process requirements, eliminating the need for manual intervention during temperature regulation, thereby increasing testing capacity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system incorporates feedback control where the controllers continuously monitor temperature and adjust heating power accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism ensures accurate temperature control during isothermal amplification, increasing testing capacity while maintaining manageable device complexity through intelligent control algorithms
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 enables efficient and reliable heating of biological samples using limited power sources, reducing the complexity and cost of the device while enhancing its portability and usability for point-of-care diagnostics, enabling faster and more accurate detection of pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating element, a second heating element... ramping up a first heating element power... heating a biological sample
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device to be used in amplifying and detecting biological material. In particular, the present invention relates to a device used for detecting methods, e.g., loop- mediated isothermal amplification, which may reveal the presence of a particular pathogen or molecule in a biological sample. The biological sample may be a human biological sample, but could also be a sample from an animal or plant.