Manual qPCR Block Assembly for Stable Thermal Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated qPCR systems experience temperature variations due to additional automated mechanisms, leading to precision and reliability issues in sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A biological analysis system with a manual block assembly mechanism, utilizing a catch, proximity sensor, and manual force to control the block assembly's position, eliminating the need for motors, and incorporating a seal to prevent air circulation and reduce temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated mechanisms such as motors are used to move the block assembly, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but temperature stability and measurement precision deteriorate due to additional temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motorized automation mechanism from the block assembly system. The block assembly is now moved manually by the user, eliminating the motor that caused temperature variations. This extraction of the harmful automated component resolves the contradiction by sacrificing some automation for temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state of the block assembly from motor-driven to manually-driven. By changing the mode of operation from automated to manual, the system eliminates the temperature variations caused by motors while maintaining the ability to perform the analysis function.
2Ease of operation
If automated mechanisms are added to the system, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and temperature stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the motor component from the system. By taking out the automated mechanism, the device complexity is reduced while simultaneously improving temperature stability. The simplified system relies on manual operation rather than motorized actuation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the block assembly is moved manually, then temperature stability is improved, but productivity decreases compared to automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts a trade-off where manual operation (simpler, less expensive) is used instead of motorized automation. The system prioritizes temperature precision over high-speed processing, using a manually-operated block assembly that can be moved by the user without requiring complex automated mechanisms.
4Productivity
If motors are used to automate block assembly movement, then productivity increases, but temperature variations and measurement precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motor that causes temperature variations during block assembly movement. By extracting this harmful component, the system improves measurement precision and analysis accuracy while accepting reduced productivity from manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from motorized movement to manual movement. This parameter change eliminates the temperature fluctuations that occur during automated operation, thereby improving the precision of measurements and analysis results.
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
Enhances precision and reliability of sample analysis by minimizing temperature variations, improving the accuracy of thermal cycling processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermoelectric device having one major surface in thermal communication the at least one sample block
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the other major surface of the at least one thermoelectric device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A biological analysis system includes a housing, a chassis, a block assembly and a transport. The chassis is disposed within the housing. The block assembly is mounted to the chassis, and is configured to receive a plurality of samples and cycle the plurality of samples through a series of temperatures. The transport includes a guide that is configured to reversibly move the block assembly relative to the chassis between an open position and a closed position according to a manual force on the block assembly. The plurality of samples are accessible by a user at the open position.