Modular Thermal Cycling Unit for Faster PCR Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal cycling devices for PCR are inefficient due to high heating and cooling times, limited throughput, and the need for complex and costly maintenance, particularly when dealing with high quantities of samples like in dPCR applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermal unit comprising a thermoelectric energy converter, a heat transfer plate, a heat sink, an air fan, and an exhaust air duct, designed to operate in a non-overlapping power consumption manner to enhance heating and cooling efficiency and allow for easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional thermal cycling devices are used, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but heating and cooling times are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal cycling device is divided into multiple independent thermal blocks (first thermal block, second thermal block, etc.), each capable of independent heating and cooling operations. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples, effectively reducing the total thermal cycling time required for high-throughput applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat transfer plates are introduced as intermediary components between the thermoelectric energy converters and the samples. These plates improve thermal contact and heat transfer efficiency, enabling faster heating and cooling rates while maintaining temperature uniformity across multiple sample positions.
2Productivity
If sample capacity is increased, then throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple independent thermal blocks instead of one complex large-scale thermal system. Each thermal block is a simplified, modular unit that can be independently controlled, making the overall system easier to manage while achieving high throughput through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each thermal block is designed as a universal module capable of performing the same heating and cooling functions independently. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle multiple samples simultaneously with the same operational protocol, simplifying control while increasing productivity.
3Ease of repair
If thermal blocks are made replaceable, then maintenance ease is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal cycling device is designed with separable thermal blocks that can be independently removed and replaced. Each thermal block functions as an independent module with its own thermoelectric energy converter and heat transfer plate, allowing failed components to be replaced without affecting other parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric energy converters and heat transfer plates are extracted as separate, replaceable components from the thermal blocks. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to replace only the faulty thermal block or component rather than the entire device, significantly reducing maintenance time and cost.
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
The solution significantly reduces heating and cooling times, increases thermal cycling throughput, and simplifies maintenance by enabling easy replacement of thermal units, thereby improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of PCR processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermoelectric energy converter
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer plate attached to the thermoelectric energy converter for dissipation of thermal energy away from the thermoelectric energy converter
Implementation Method 3
the heat sink is connected to the heat transfer plate on a first side and is exposed to the air fan on a second side, with the air fan providing a stream of intake air towards the second side of the heat sink
Implementation Method 4
the exhaust air duct guides a stream of exhaust air away from the second side of the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a thermal unit for a device for thermal cycling, also referred to as thermocycling, of a plurality of biological samples simultaneously, to such device itself, and also to a method for thermal cycling a plurality of biological samples simultaneously using such device and thermal unit.