Modular PCR Device With Circular Heating Axis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCR devices require lengthy heating and cooling processes, leading to prolonged amplification times and limited sampling capacity, which hampers efficient diagnosis of viral diseases like COVID-19 and results in the need for less accurate rapid test kits.
Innovation Solution
A modular PCR device with multiple heating units arranged in a circular axis, allowing for simultaneous denaturation, annealing, and extension processes, and a movable sample chamber that transitions between these regions, eliminating the need for waiting times and enabling faster processing of multiple samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heating and cooling processes are performed sequentially using thermo-electric elements, then the PCR amplification can be completed, but the amplification time becomes prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating units (first heating unit, second heating unit, third heating unit) that can operate simultaneously at different temperatures. Each heating unit corresponds to a specific PCR stage (denaturation, annealing, extension), allowing all three stages to occur in parallel rather than sequentially, thereby dramatically reducing amplification time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heating functions are merged into a single integrated system where multiple heating units work together in coordination. The sample chamber moves through different heating regions, and each region maintains its designated temperature simultaneously, combining the functions of sequential heating and cooling into a parallel processing system
2Productivity
If conventional PCR devices are used, then DNA amplification can be achieved, but the sampling capacity remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from processing one sample at a time to processing multiple samples simultaneously by introducing a sample carrier with multiple sample chambers arranged in a circular path. The movement mechanism enables all sample chambers to pass through the heating regions concurrently, expanding the processing capacity from single-sample to multi-sample parallel processing
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 design accelerates the PCR process, allowing for rapid and high-volume amplification of genetic material, reducing amplification duration and increasing the amount of genetic material obtained, while supporting simultaneous processing of multiple samples.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first heating unit which provides heating of a first heating region at a first temperature for the denaturation process, at least one second heating unit which provides heating of a second heating region at a second temperature for the annealing process, at least one third heating unit which provides heating of a third heating region at a third temperature for the extension process
Data Source
AI summary
A PCR device having a heating mechanism to subject samples to denaturation, annealing and extension processes is disclosed. The PCR device has a heating unit carrier having at least one first heating unit which provides heating of a first heating region at a first temperature for the denaturation process, at least one second heating unit which provides heating of a second heating region at a second temperature for the annealing process, at least one third heating unit which provides heating of a third heating region at a third temperature for the extension process; where the first heating unit, the second heating unit and the third heating unit are arranged in a first circular axis