Induction Coil Heater for Fluidic Elements in IVD Analyzers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vitro diagnostics environments require efficient and rapid heating of fluidic elements and fluids, while also necessitating thorough cleaning to prevent carry-over between different fluid samples, which existing technologies do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A heater system utilizing an induction coil with integrated induction circuitry and level-sensing circuitry to generate a radio-frequency magnetic field for heating fluidic elements and fluids, along with temperature sensors to ensure precise temperature control and a washing unit for cleaning, allowing for selective heating and efficient fluid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional heating methods are used for fluidic elements, then heating can be achieved, but heating speed and efficiency are insufficient for high-throughput analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or thermal conduction heating methods with electromagnetic induction heating. The induction coil generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the fluidic element, converting electromagnetic energy directly into heat within the element itself, achieving rapid and efficient heating that supports high-throughput analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heating system uses alternating current at radio frequency to generate a periodically varying magnetic field. This periodic action allows for controlled and rapid heating cycles, enabling quick temperature adjustments needed for high-throughput diagnostic analysis.
2Productivity
If induction heating is used to quickly heat fluidic elements, then heating efficiency improves, but temperature control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the temperature of the fluidic element and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the induction heating power in real-time, maintaining precise temperature control despite the rapid heating capability, ensuring both high efficiency and accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heater system is designed with comprehensive heating and sensing capabilities, then functionality is improved, but device size and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a compact heater assembly: the induction coil for heating, temperature sensors for monitoring, and level-sensing circuitry for detecting fluid presence are combined in a single integrated unit. This merging of components achieves comprehensive heating and sensing functionality while minimizing the overall space occupied in the automated analyzer.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction coil serves multiple purposes: it generates the magnetic field for heating, and its electrical characteristics change when fluid is present, enabling it to also function as part of the level-sensing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system size.
4Reliability
If thorough cleaning is performed to eliminate carry-over between samples, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to steam through rapid induction heating. The generated steam effectively cleans the fluidic element by flushing out residual fluids, providing thorough cleaning in a single rapid step that eliminates carry-over between samples without requiring multiple sequential cleaning operations.
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
The system enables quick and efficient heating of fluidic elements and fluids, ensuring accurate temperature control and effective cleaning, thereby supporting high-throughput analysis without occupying excessive space in automated analyzers.
Implementation Method 1
induction circuitry coupled to the induction coil and configured to generate a current to pass through the induction coil, thereby creating a field within the induction coil that generates heat
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an induction coil with integrated induction circuitry and level-sensing circuitry to generate a radio-frequency magnetic field for heating fluidic elements and fluids
Implementation Method 3
level-sensing circuitry, including a sensing coil, which is configured to impose a signal on the fluidic element and detect a change in the imposed signal, wherein the change in the imposed signal serves as an indication that the fluidic element is in contact with a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A heater for heating fluidic elements and fluids is provided. The heater quickly and efficiently heats elements and samples without occupying a lot of space in in vitro diagnostic environments. The heater includes an induction coil, sized and configured to allow for a fluidic element to be placed therein, and induction circuitry coupled to the induction coil that facilitates induction heating through electromagnetic induction. A current is generated to pass through the induction coil, creating a field within the induction coil that generates heat that is transferrable to conductive objects placed within the field. In this manner, heat is transferred to the fluidic element and to fluids in contact with the fluidic element.