Gas Thermal Cycler Retaining Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal cyclers rely on active cooling methods, such as Peltier devices, which can be cumbersome and require different coolers or refrigerants for varying temperature profiles, limiting flexibility in thermal cycling protocols for biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A thermal cycling device utilizing a plurality of retaining elements with inner surfaces to couple with sample wells and outer surfaces adapted for heat transfer fins, employing a cooling gas to provide different thermal profiles without the need for active cooling or multiple refrigerants, allowing for flexible temperature control and efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active cooling methods such as Peltier devices are used, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active cooling mechanism (Peltier devices) from the thermal cycler and replaces it with passive cooling using aluminum blocks with heat transfer fins. The aluminum blocks are positioned to conduct heat away from sample wells without requiring active cooling components, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining cooling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical active cooling system (Peltier devices requiring power and control) with a passive thermal conduction system using aluminum blocks. The aluminum blocks utilize natural heat transfer principles to cool samples without mechanical intervention, substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler thermal conduction approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different active coolers or refrigerants are used for different temperature profiles, then temperature control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aluminum blocks that serve multiple functions: they provide passive cooling during all thermal cycling phases and can be selectively heated using Peltier devices when active cooling is needed. This universal component replaces the need for multiple specialized coolers or refrigerants, achieving temperature profile flexibility without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the cooling system dynamic by allowing selective activation of Peltier devices attached to aluminum blocks. Depending on the required temperature profile, the system can switch between passive cooling (all blocks) and active cooling (specific blocks with Peltier devices), providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed cooling systems.
3Productivity
If heat transfer fins are added to retaining elements, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometry parameters of the heat transfer fins (spacing, height, thickness) to achieve efficient heat dissipation while maintaining manufacturability. The fin dimensions are carefully selected to maximize surface area for heat transfer without making the retaining element too complex to manufacture, balancing cooling efficiency with ease of production.
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
Enables efficient thermal cycling with customizable temperature profiles for biological samples, reducing thermal mass and enabling rapid cooling, while maintaining sample integrity and allowing for real-time detection of fluorescent emissions during cycling.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the biological sample in the well with the cooling gas
Implementation Method 2
an outer surface adapted to provide a heat transfer fin for cooling the biological sample in the well with the cooling gas
Implementation Method 3
heating the biological samples
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an apparatus and method for thermal cycling using a source of cooling gas.