Biological Sample Analyzer With Elevated-Temperature Heating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biological sample analyzers take too long to heat diagnostic consumable holders to the target temperature, and refrigerated consumable holders can cause analysis errors or rejection, necessitating redesigns that render obsolete existing consumable holders.
Innovation Solution
The analyzer accelerates heating by using an elevated temperature and rapid cooling methods, including fan-assisted air circulation, to quickly reach the target temperature while preventing overheating, and detects refrigerated consumable holders to adjust heating accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional heating methods are used to heat consumable holders to target temperature, then the heating process is simple and reliable, but the heating time is too long causing delays in analysis
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 heating process can proceed much faster due to the existing thermal energy in the receptacle, thereby reducing overall heating time and increasing analysis throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic control of the heater, switching between elevated temperature heating and reduced heating modes. The heater operates at high power initially to rapidly raise the receptacle temperature, then periodically reduces power as the consumable holder approaches target temperature, preventing overheating while maintaining fast heating overall
2Speed
If elevated temperature heating is used to reduce heating time, then heating speed increases, but the consumable holder may overheat exceeding the target temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the temperature of the consumable holder using a temperature sensor and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the heater power. When the sensor detects that the consumable holder temperature is approaching the target temperature, the controller automatically reduces heater power, preventing overheating while maintaining fast heating speed through real-time temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system transitions from a static, constant-power heating approach to a dynamic, variable-power heating approach. The heater power is continuously adjusted based on the real-time temperature difference between the consumable holder and target temperature, allowing the system to rapidly heat when the gap is large and gently approach the target when the gap is small, ensuring both speed and accuracy
3Stability of the object's composition
If refrigerated consumable holders are used to extend reagent shelf life, then storage stability improves, but the heating time increases and analysis errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the receptacle to an elevated temperature before inserting refrigerated consumable holders. This pre-heating action compensates for the cold mass of refrigerated holders in advance, allowing them to reach target temperature much faster than if heating started from ambient temperature, thereby maintaining both reagent stability through refrigeration and fast heating through pre-conditioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the receptacle by heating it to an elevated temperature above the final target temperature. This parameter change creates a larger temperature gradient when refrigerated consumable holders are inserted, accelerating heat transfer and reducing heating time while the controller subsequently adjusts the temperature back to the precise target range
4Productivity
If the receptacle is heated to elevated temperature before consumable holder insertion, then heating efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic control of the heater, operating at high power only during the initial phase when the receptacle needs rapid heating, then reducing power as the consumable holder approaches target temperature. This periodic high-low power cycling achieves fast heating efficiency while minimizing total energy consumption by avoiding prolonged high-power operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces continuous mechanical heating with a more efficient thermal exchange approach. By pre-heating the receptacle and then utilizing the thermal exchange between the hot receptacle and cold consumable holder, the system achieves efficient heating with reduced energy input compared to continuously heating the entire assembly from ambient temperature
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 significantly reduces heating time and ensures accurate analysis by adapting to varying consumable holder temperatures, preventing delays and errors.
Implementation Method 1
causing at least one heater to heat the receptacle to an elevated temperature
Implementation Method 2
the receptacle configured to support a consumable holder containing a biological sample; causing the consumable holder to reach the target temperature
Implementation Method 3
causing a fan to force air over the heater so as to cool the heater
Data Source
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.