Multi-Zone Temperature Control for Parallel Specimen Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological inspection devices can only perform one temperature control procedure at a time, leading to idle inspection positions and reduced efficiency, or increased waiting times if procedures are delayed for maximal specimen loading.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone temperature control device and method that allows independent temperature control across multiple zones, using a receiver device with thermo-conductive reservoirs, temperature adjustment devices, and a driving device to manage contact status between adjustment blocks and reservoirs, enabling simultaneous execution of different temperature control procedures in different zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If only one temperature control procedure is executed at a time, then the device complexity is reduced, but the inspection efficiency deteriorates due to idle inspection positions
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the inspection system into multiple independent temperature zones (first zone with first thermo-conductive reservoir, second zone with second thermo-conductive reservoir), each capable of executing temperature control procedures independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple specimens simultaneously, improving inspection efficiency without requiring a single complex centralized control system
Solution Approach 2:
Each temperature zone is designed with universal functionality to perform the same temperature control operations (heating, cooling, maintaining temperature) on different specimens. The first and second temperature adjustment devices can execute identical or different temperature control procedures simultaneously, making the system multi-functional while maintaining operational simplicity
2Productivity
If temperature control procedure is executed only after all inspection positions are filled, then maximal inspection efficiency is achieved, but the waiting time for inspection is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows temperature control procedures to be initiated in advance on specimens placed in different zones without waiting for all inspection positions to be filled. The first and second temperature adjustment devices can begin their operations as soon as specimens are available in their respective zones, eliminating the need to wait for complete system loading and reducing overall waiting time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple temperature zones operate continuously and independently, ensuring that useful inspection actions are always being performed. While one zone completes its procedure, another zone can simultaneously start or continue its procedure, maintaining continuous productive operation without idle periods between sequential completions
3Productivity
If multiple temperature control procedures are executed simultaneously in different zones, then inspection efficiency is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control units for each temperature zone, with the first control device managing the first zone and the second control device managing the second zone. Each control unit operates independently, simplifying the overall control architecture by avoiding the need for a single complex centralized controller that would need to manage all zones simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent temperature control systems are merged into a single integrated device structure, allowing simultaneous operations in different zones while maintaining independent control. The first and second temperature adjustment devices work in parallel within a unified system framework, combining the benefits of independent control with integrated device functionality
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 simultaneous temperature adjustments across multiple specimens, reducing idle time and increasing inspection efficiency by allowing continuous processing without waiting for previous procedures to complete.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature adjustment devices are configured to adjust temperatures of a plurality of adjustment blocks, and contact the thermo-conductive reservoirs through the adjustment blocks to adjust temperatures of the thermo-conductive reservoirs
Implementation Method 2
The driving device is configured to change a contact status between the adjustment blocks and the thermo-conductive reservoirs
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-zone temperature control device has multiple thermo-conductive reservoirs for accommodating a specimen, multiple temperature adjustment devices for adjusting temperatures of multiple adjustment blocks, a driving device, and a control device. The control device executes multiple temperature control procedures at the same time. During the execution of each temperature control procedure, the present disclosure makes the adjustment blocks contact and leave the thermo-conductive reservoirs in the same zone, such that the thermo-conductive reservoirs reach the target temperatures of the temperature control procedure sequentially.