PCB Fluidic PCR Device Thermal Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCR systems are large, bulky, and expensive, limiting their use in point-of-care medicine due to complexity and high costs, and require expensive Peltier junction devices for thermal cycling, which is not suitable for portable or cost-effective pathogen identification.
Innovation Solution
A PCR system using a printed circuit board (PCB) fluidic device with a PCR chamber integrated into the PCB, incorporating a heater coil, temperature sensor, and a cost-optimized PID controller for thermal control, allowing for efficient thermal cycling and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If Peltier junction devices are used for thermal cycling in PCR systems, then thermal control performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal cycling function into a printed circuit board (PCB) by integrating heating traces and thermal management features directly into the board structure. This eliminates the need for separate Peltier junction devices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective thermal control for PCR applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic Peltier junction system with an electrical trace-based heating system integrated into the PCB. This substitution uses standard PCB manufacturing techniques to create thermal control, avoiding complex mechanical assembly and reducing device complexity.
2Temperature
If Peltier junction devices are used for thermal cycling in PCR systems, then thermal control performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal control functionality with the standard PCB manufacturing process. Heating traces, thermal vias, and thermal management features are all created using conventional PCB fabrication techniques, eliminating the need for expensive Peltier devices and their associated complex assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to thermal control by using electrical resistance heating through PCB traces instead of Peltier effect-based cooling/heating. This parameter change allows the use of standard PCB materials and manufacturing processes, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while achieving adequate thermal control for PCR.
3Temperature
If traditional PCR systems are used, then thermal cycling capability is achieved, but system size and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (thermal cycling, fluidic control, structural support, and electrical connectivity) into a single integrated PCB structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components and assemblies, dramatically reducing system size while maintaining full thermal cycling capability for portable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural platform, contains integrated heating traces for thermal cycling, incorporates fluidic channels for reagent delivery, and provides electrical connectivity. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system volume by eliminating the need for separate components.
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 PCB-based PCR system provides a compact, cost-effective solution for thermal cycling, enabling rapid and affordable pathogen detection, suitable for point-of-care applications, including in developing regions, with efficient thermal management and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a heater coil, temperature sensor, and a cost-optimized PID controller for thermal control
Data Source
AI summary
PC board fluidic devices for performing a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are disclosed. The devices comprise a printed circuit board and a PCR chamber. The PCR chamber is a fluidic chamber and is located in, or is part of, the PC board. The PC board can include a coil trace heating element with a temperature sensor and controller.