Independent Temperature Controllers for Genetic Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleic acid amplification techniques, such as PCR and LAMP, face challenges in simultaneously processing multiple reaction solutions with different protocols and starting new samples during analysis due to temperature control limitations and individual differences in temperature control devices.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves providing individual temperature controllers for each reaction tube, allowing for precise temperature control and monitoring, which corrects for dimension errors and device variations, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple protocols and immediate start of new samples by displaying temperature control data and fluorescence measurements on a screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature control system is used for multiple reaction tubes, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to individual differences in temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control system into independent modular units, with each reaction tube having its own temperature controller. This segmentation allows each controller to be calibrated independently, eliminating the accumulation of errors that would occur in a shared system, while the modular design keeps overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each temperature controller is individually calibrated to account for local variations in heating characteristics, thermal conductivity, and environmental factors specific to each reaction tube position. This local optimization ensures high manufacturing precision without requiring a completely centralized control system.
2Device complexity
If the entire plate region is uniformly controlled at constant temperature, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates as new samples must wait for analysis completion
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction plate is divided into multiple independently controllable zones, each with its own temperature controller. This allows different regions to run different protocols simultaneously, enabling multiple samples to be processed in parallel without waiting for a single centralized temperature cycle to complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns temperature protocols to different plate regions based on sample requirements. Each region can independently transition between different temperature profiles, allowing the system to adapt to varying analysis needs and maximize throughput by eliminating idle waiting time.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple temperature controllers are provided for different protocols, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each temperature controller is designed as a universal multi-functional unit capable of executing any temperature protocol. Rather than having dedicated controllers for each protocol type, a single controller can be reconfigured to handle different temperature cycles, reducing the total number of controllers needed while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves protocol differentiation through software-based parameter changes rather than hardware variations. Each controller uses programmable parameters to adapt to different protocols, allowing the same hardware architecture to support multiple functions without increasing physical complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If individual temperature controllers are provided for each reaction tube, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature controllers are merged into an integrated system with shared resources such as power supply, control software, and data processing units. This combining approach maintains the precision benefits of individual controllers while reducing overall system complexity through resource sharing and centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized controller modules that can be replicated across multiple reaction tubes. Rather than designing unique complex controllers for each tube, identical standardized modules are copied and deployed, simplifying manufacturing, calibration, and maintenance while ensuring consistent precision across all channels.
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 ensures highly accurate temperature control, reduces analysis time, and allows for real-time monitoring and recognition of abnormal operations, providing a reliable apparatus for nucleic acid detection across various protocols.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device (14)
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device (14)
Implementation Method 3
a temperature detecting device (15)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A genetic testing method and an apparatus therefor are provided, in which temperatures of a plurality of reaction tubes are independently controlled using a thermostat, a temperature detecting device, and a heating and cooling device provided on each of the reaction tubes, the reaction tubes each accommodate an amplification liquid and a component necessary for amplification, temperature is controlled at individual positions to hold the reaction tubes and at a predetermined temperature set at the individual positions according to an analysis and testing protocol predetermined at individual positions of the reaction tubes, a controlled temperature value is monitored in a reaction tube unit and a corrected value of controlled temperature is computed and stored on a reaction tube unit, a temperature of the reaction tube is controlled based on the computed value, and light emission of the amplification liquid accommodated in the reaction tube is measured.