PCB Heater Block Thermal Control for Viscosity Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for measuring blood viscosity struggle with maintaining consistent temperature conditions, which affects the accuracy of viscosity measurements and clotting time determination.
Innovation Solution
A thermal control system is introduced, comprising a heater block assembly and a printed circuit board assembly that generates and distributes heat to maintain the temperature of a fluid sample within a cartridge, ensuring consistent and accurate viscosity measurements by regulating the temperature of the blood sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no thermal control system is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the temperature consistency of the blood sample deteriorates, affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a heater block assembly with multiple heating elements for localized temperature control, a printed circuit board assembly with integrated control circuits, and a cartridge assembly containing the blood sample. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to maintain temperature consistency without overly complicating the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater block assembly acts as an intermediary between the power source and the blood sample, providing controlled thermal energy. The printed circuit board assembly serves as an intermediary control mechanism, regulating the heating process. These intermediary components enable precise temperature maintenance without direct complex interaction with the blood sample, simplifying the measurement system while ensuring temperature consistency.
2Reliability
If temperature control is not implemented, then the device operates simply, but the consistency of blood sample temperature deteriorates, leading to unreliable clotting time determination
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the blood sample to a controlled, consistent level (typically body temperature or a standardized reference temperature) during the measurement process. By actively maintaining this parameter rather than allowing it to vary, the system ensures reliable and repeatable clotting time determinations. The heater block and printed circuit board work together to precisely control this temperature parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal control system performs preliminary heating or temperature adjustment of the blood sample before the viscosity and clotting time measurements are taken. This preliminary action ensures that the sample reaches the desired temperature state in advance, eliminating temperature-related variability during the actual measurement process and improving result reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a thermal control system is added, then temperature consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater block assembly and printed circuit board assembly are merged into an integrated unit that works together as a cohesive thermal control system. The printed circuit board is directly coupled to the heater block, combining the heating function with the control electronics in a single integrated assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater block assembly serves multiple functions: it provides thermal energy to the blood sample, acts as a temperature sensor interface, and functions as a structural support element for the cartridge assembly. The printed circuit board assembly simultaneously controls the heating process, monitors temperature, and interfaces with the measurement system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 thermal control system effectively maintains the temperature of the blood sample, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of viscosity measurements and clotting time determination, thereby improving hemostasis management.
Implementation Method 1
The printed circuit board assembly is configured to generate heat and deliver the heat to the heater block assembly
Implementation Method 2
The heater block assembly is configured to distribute the heat to the fluid sample located within the wells of the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal control system is provided for monitoring and maintaining the temperature of a fluid sample within a cartridge having a plurality of wells. The thermal control system includes a heater block assembly having a cartridge slot sized and shaped to receive the cartridge within the heater block assembly. The heater block assembly is comprised of thermally conductive material. The thermal control system also includes a printed circuit board assembly coupled to the heater block assembly. The printed circuit board assembly is configured to generate heat and deliver the heat to the heater block assembly. The heater block assembly is configured to distribute the heat to the fluid sample located within the wells of the cartridge.