Micro-thermocycler with Movable Cover for Rapid Thermal Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermocyclers are limited in their ability to miniaturize effectively for in-field, rapid, and low-cost nucleic acid amplification testing, requiring larger sizes and complex manufacturing processes, and lack efficient mechanisms for rapid temperature changes and precise thermal control.
Innovation Solution
A micro-thermocycler with integrated thermo-controlled elements and a displacement unit, allowing for movement between heating and cooling positions, utilizing thermoelectric elements, and featuring multiple thermal control positions, sensors, and readout systems for precise temperature management and sample analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional thermocycler manufacturing processes are used, then device size and manufacturing complexity increase, but manufacturing precision and miniaturization capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The thermocycler is segmented into modular components including a substrate, micro-reservoir array, thermoelectric element array, and movable cover assembly. This segmentation enables independent manufacturing of each module using specialized processes (e.g., semiconductor fabrication for the substrate, micromachining for the cover) and simplifies assembly while achieving precise dimensional control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single large reaction chamber to a two-dimensional array of micro-reservoirs on the substrate. This dimensional change allows parallel processing of multiple samples, reduces the footprint of each individual reaction chamber, and enables integration with array-based thermoelectric elements for precise thermal control
2Temperature
If rapid temperature cycling is achieved through movement, then thermal control precision improves, but mechanical complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical temperature control mechanisms (such as moving heating blocks or heat exchangers) with a simplified system where a single movable cover assembly exposes micro-reservoirs to different thermal environments. Temperature control is achieved through thermal conduction from the substrate and ambient air convection, eliminating the need for multiple moving thermal components
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-reservoirs utilize the substrate as an integrated heat sink and the ambient environment as a heat source. When the cover is moved away, the reservoirs automatically exchange heat with the substrate and surrounding air without requiring active cooling or heating mechanisms, enabling rapid passive thermal equilibration
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple temperature zones are created for different reaction steps, then thermal control capability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cover assembly serves multiple functions: it seals the micro-reservoirs during thermal cycling, acts as a heat barrier when positioned over the substrate, and can be moved to expose reservoirs to ambient air for cooling. This single component enables multiple temperature zones and thermal control modes without requiring separate heating and cooling apparatus for each zone
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates temporary temperature zones through periodic movement of the cover assembly. During the sealed phase, the substrate provides uniform heating. When the cover is moved, ambient air provides cooling. This periodic sealing and exposure creates the temperature cycling needed for PCR and other thermal protocols without requiring continuous active control
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 rapid and precise temperature cycling for nucleic acid amplification, improving the efficiency and reliability of nucleic acid testing by allowing quick thermal changes and precise thermal control within a compact, miniaturized format.
Implementation Method 1
at least one displacement actuating means, wherein the at least one displacement actuating means comprises either the at least one micro-reservoir or the at least one thermoelectric element(s)
Implementation Method 2
at least one thermoelectric element, wherein the at least one thermoelectric element is integrated into the at least one micro-reservoir or is integrated into a displacement unit
Implementation Method 3
The at least one thermoelectric element thermally acts on the at least one micro-reservoir in the first position
Data Source
AI summary
The Invention relates to a micro-thermocycler that comprises at least one micro-reservoir, at least one thermo controlled element, at least one displacement unit and at least one displacement actuating means. The at least one displacement unit comprises either the at least one micro-reservoir or the at least one thermo controlled element(s). The at least one displacement unit can be displaced by means of the displacement actuating means from a first position along a first direction to a second position. The at least one thermo controlled element thermally acts on the at least one micro-reservoir in the first position and wherein the displacement actuating means operatively couple(s) the at least one displacement unit and the other of thermo controlled element(s) or the micro-reservoir(s).