Flow Path Plate Layout for Faster Thermal Cycling Convection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow path plates for thermal cycles experience long processing times due to non-uniform temperature distribution in the sample, leading to inefficient convection flows and prolonged sample processing times.
Innovation Solution
A flow path plate design with separate heating and cooling flow paths, connected by a connecting path, where the heating flow path is heated by a first temperature adjuster and the cooling flow path is cooled by a second temperature adjuster, allowing for efficient temperature adjustment and convection flow of the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If both heaters are positioned under the PCR reaction container, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sample processing time is prolonged due to uneven temperature distribution and lack of convection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-sided heating arrangement (both heaters under the container) to a multi-dimensional configuration where heating and cooling flow paths are positioned on opposite sides of the plate. This spatial reorganization enables bidirectional thermal interaction with the sample, promoting convection currents and significantly reducing temperature uniformity time without complicating the overall device structure.
2Device complexity
If heating and cooling flow paths are positioned on the same side of the plate, then the device structure is compact, but convection flow is suppressed and temperature uniformity is slow to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning both heating and cooling flow paths on the same side of the plate (conventional approach), the patent inverts this arrangement by placing them on opposite sides. This inversion creates a thermal gradient that drives natural convection currents through the sample, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and accelerating thermal cycle processing while maintaining a compact device structure.
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 sample processing time by ensuring rapid and uniform temperature distribution, enhancing the efficiency of nucleic acid amplification reactions.
Implementation Method 1
a heating flow path extending in a horizontal direction in the plate-shaped member... a heating-target surface contacted by a first temperature adjuster configured to heat the heating flow path
Implementation Method 2
the sample passing through the flow path in the reaction regions positioned above the first heater and the second heater are heated from under in both of the reaction regions. Hence, a convection flow of the sample flowing from a lower side to an upper side occurs in the flow path positioned above the first heater
Implementation Method 3
a cooling flow path extending in a horizontal direction in the plate-shaped member... a cooling-target surface contacted by a second temperature adjuster configured to cool the cooling flow path
Implementation Method 4
the cooling flow path is above, allowing for efficient convection and uniform temperature distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path plate for thermal cycle includes a plate-shaped member extending in a horizontal direction, a heating flow path extending in a horizontal direction in the plate-shaped member, a cooling flow path extending in a horizontal direction in the plate-shaped member, a connecting flow path connecting the heating flow path and the cooling flow path, a heating-target surface contacted by a first temperature adjuster configured to heat the heating flow path, and a cooling-target surface contacted by a second temperature adjuster configured to cool the cooling flow path at a temperature lower than that by the first temperature adjuster. A target sample is conveyed from the heating flow path to the cooling flow path, the heating-target surface is situated under the heating flow path, and the cooling-target surface is situated above the cooling flow path.