Induction Heating Plate for Sample Incubation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing incubation methods in laboratories are inefficient due to the use of heating foils that require electrical cables and hot air, which hinder sample shaking and temperature control, especially when trying to maintain varying predetermined temperatures.

Innovation Solution

An incubator using induction heating with a ferromagnetic induction heating plate and a heat conducting plate, powered by an alternating current through an electromagnetic field, allowing for spatial separation of energy supply and heat production, enabling efficient heating and shaking of samples without the need for flexible energy connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If heating foils with electrical cables are used for heating samples, then heating capability is provided, but the cables restrict sample shaking and movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidsample shaking

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical heating system (heating foils with electrical cables) with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction heating plate generates heat through electromagnetic fields without requiring physical cable connections to the heating zone, enabling sample shaking and movement while maintaining heating capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If hot air is used for heating samples, then heating is provided, but the low heat capacity and thermal conductivity make the heating process slower

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating processVSAvoidheating speed

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces convective heating with hot air with direct electromagnetic induction heating through the heating plate. This provides more efficient and faster heat transfer to the sample, improving heating speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If flexible cables are used to supply energy to heating foils during sample shaking, then energy supply is maintained, but the system complexity and reliability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supplyVSAvoidcable durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for flexible cables by using electromagnetic induction heating. The energy is transmitted through the heating plate without physical connections to the moving sample holder, improving reliability and eliminating cable-related failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Temperature

If existing incubation methods are used, then sample heating is provided, but the incubation speed and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample heatingVSAvoidincubation time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electromagnetic induction heating which provides rapid and efficient heating compared to conventional methods. This reduces the time required for sample incubation while maintaining appropriate temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution accelerates sample incubation by separating energy supply and heat production, allowing for efficient heating and mixing of samples at optimal temperatures without the constraints of cables, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the incubation process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one inductor placed below an induction heating plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

A heat conducting plate is mounted onto the induction heating plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10053664B2Device for incubating a sample

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 STRATEC SE

AI summary

The field of the invention relates to a device for incubating a sample. The present disclosure provides an incubator for shaking and/or heating at least one sample. The device comprises at least one inductor placed below an induction heating plate. A heat conducting plate is mounted onto the induction heating plate. The device further comprises a moving arrangement for placing the sample onto the heat conducting plate.