Modular Real-Time PCR Device with Multi-Zone Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current real-time PCR devices are slow due to the need for repeated heating and cooling cycles, leading to prolonged DNA amplification times and limited sampling capacity, which is inadequate for rapid diagnosis of viral diseases like COVID-19.
Innovation Solution
A modular real-time PCR device with a heating mechanism featuring multiple temperature zones and a movement mechanism that allows samples to be sequentially subjected to denaturation, annealing, and extension processes without waiting for cooling, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repeated heating and cooling cycles are used for DNA amplification, then the DNA can be copied through denaturation, annealing and extension processes, but the amplification time becomes prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the heating function into multiple independent heating zones (first heating region, second heating region, third heating region) that can operate at different temperatures simultaneously. This segmentation allows different PCR steps to occur in parallel rather than sequentially, resolving the contradiction between complete amplification and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by having multiple heating zones maintain different temperatures continuously, eliminating the need for repeated heating and cooling cycles. The sample carrier moves samples through these zones in sequence, allowing denaturation, annealing, and extension to occur in continuous parallel operations rather than repeated sequential cycles.
2Productivity
If traditional single-zone heating devices are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the sampling capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional modules: multiple heating zones with independent temperature control, a movable sample carrier, and a measurement unit. This modular segmentation enables the device to process multiple samples simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by arranging heating zones and sample positions in a multi-dimensional configuration. The sample carrier moves along a defined path, allowing samples to be processed in parallel across different spatial locations rather than sequentially in a single zone, thereby increasing sampling capacity without proportionally increasing overall device footprint.
3Productivity
If multiple samples are processed sequentially in traditional devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the processing efficiency becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent zones that can be controlled separately. Each zone handles a specific PCR step (denaturation, annealing, extension) at its optimal temperature, allowing multiple samples to undergo different steps simultaneously. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling parallel processing while maintaining independent control of each functional zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample carrier is designed to be movable, dynamically transporting samples between different heating zones in a controlled sequence. This dynamic movement allows the system to flexibly assign samples to different temperature zones at different times, enabling efficient parallel processing of multiple samples through coordinated spatial-temporal management rather than static sequential 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 DNA amplification, allowing for rapid and high-yield genetic material production, and enables processing of a larger number of samples efficiently, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a 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
Implementation Method 2
a measurement unit for sending of light to a measurement region and for measuring of the light emitted by the samples in correspondence with the sent light
Data Source
AI summary
A real-time PCR device having a heating mechanism (10) for providing heating of samples and realizing measurement in the heated samples in order to subject the samples to denaturation, annealing and extension processes. The real-time PCR device has a heating unit carrier (100) having at least one first heating unit (111) which provides heating of a first heating region (131) at a first temperature for the denaturation process, at least one second heating unit (112) which provides heating of a second heating region (132) at a second temperature for the annealing process, at least one third heating unit (113) which provides heating of a third heating region (133) at a third temperature for the extension process, a measurement unit (114) for stimulating samples by sending light to a measurement region (134) and for measuring the light emitted by the samples in correspondence with the sent light for the measurement process.