Dual-Material Sample Vessel for PCR Thermal Cycling and Heat Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample vessels made of materials suitable for thermal cycling and acoustic treatment lack the ability to form a robust seal with heat-sealing films, limiting their application in laboratory processing.
Innovation Solution
Sample vessels are designed with two distinct materials, where one material is suitable for thermal cycling and acoustic treatment, and another for forming a heat-sealed film or cover, allowing for a secure closure of the vessel opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sample vessels are made of materials suitable for thermal cycling and acoustic treatment, then the vessels can withstand heating/cooling cycles and acoustic energy treatment, but the vessels cannot form a robust seal with heat-sealing films
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion made of material suitable for thermal cycling and acoustic treatment, and a second portion made of material suitable for heat-sealing. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while being part of a single integrated vessel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel combines two different materials in a single structure - a first material (such as polymethylpentene or polycarbonate) for the body that provides thermal and acoustic performance, and a second material (such as polypropylene) for the rim that provides heat-sealing capability. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If sample vessels use a single material optimized for thermal cycling, then the vessel structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the vessel cannot provide both thermal cycling performance and heat-sealing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel achieves multi-functionality by incorporating two material portions within a single vessel structure. The first portion provides thermal cycling and acoustic treatment capabilities, while the second portion provides heat-sealing capability, allowing the vessel to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require different vessel types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the vessel have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The first portion (vessel body) uses material optimized for thermal and acoustic performance, while the second portion (rim/closure area) uses material optimized for heat-sealing, creating local quality variations that enable multi-functionality.
3Reliability
If the first material portion defines the majority of the interior volume, then the vessel maintains good thermal and acoustic performance, but the second material portion defining the rim limits the interior volume slightly
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is segmented into a first portion defining the majority of the interior volume and a second portion defining the rim area. This segmentation allows the first material to occupy most of the interior space for optimal thermal and acoustic performance, while the second material is confined to the rim region for heat-sealing, minimizing volume compromise.
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 dual-material approach enables sample vessels to perform multiple functions effectively, including thermal cycling and acoustic treatment, while providing a reliable heat-sealed closure, enhancing their versatility in laboratory applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first material may be suitable for acoustic treatment and/or thermal cycling
Implementation Method 2
The first material may be suitable for acoustic treatment and/or thermal cycling
Implementation Method 3
the second material may be adapted to form a seal with a heat sealing or adhesive film to close the opening of the vessel
Implementation Method 4
the first and second material portions may be co-molded, welded, joined by adhesive, etc.
Implementation Method 5
at least one vessel having a bottom and sidewall defining an interior volume
Data Source
AI summary
A sample holder for holding a liquid sample for laboratory processing, such as PCR thermal cycling. The sample holder includes at least one vessel having a bottom and sidewall defining an interior volume and a rim defining an opening to the interior volume. The vessel has a first portion that defines at least a part of the bottom and sidewall of the vessel and is made of a first material, and a second portion that defines the rim of the vessel and is made of a second material different from the first material.