Socket-Type PCR Cartridge Layout to Prevent Voids and Improve Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional PCR cartridges are orthogonal to centrifugal force, leading to micro voids and poor thermal efficiency due to non-conformal contact with heating blocks.

Innovation Solution

A socket type PCR cartridge with a hexahedral shape and conduit orientation parallel to centrifugal force, featuring a detachable design and a valve mechanism to prevent reflux, ensuring close contact with a heating block.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the PCR cartridge is positioned orthogonal to the centrifugal force direction, then the cartridge structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but micro voids are formed inside the cartridge during centrifugal injection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge structure simplicityVSAvoidvoid formation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional orthogonal positioning of the PCR cartridge relative to centrifugal force. Instead of positioning the cartridge perpendicular to the centrifugal force direction, the invention positions the cartridge body parallel to the centrifugal force direction, with the opening facing the rotation center. This inversion eliminates micro void formation during centrifugal injection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If the PCR cartridge is positioned orthogonal to the centrifugal force direction, then the cartridge structure is simple, but the thermal efficiency during heating is poor due to non-conformal contact with the heating block

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge structure simplicityVSAvoidthermal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters and spatial orientation of the PCR cartridge. By repositioning the cartridge body parallel to the centrifugal force direction and designing the bottom surface to be substantially perpendicular to the centrifugal force direction, the invention achieves conformal contact with the heating block. This parameter change improves thermal efficiency while maintaining the simplicity of the cartridge structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a conventional PCR cartridge design is used, then the device is simple to operate, but spin-down processes are required to eliminate micro voids before PCR reactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidspin-down process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary action by designing the cartridge geometry and positioning to prevent micro void formation during the injection process itself. The cartridge body is positioned parallel to the centrifugal force direction with the opening facing the rotation center, ensuring complete filling without voids. This preliminary prevention eliminates the need for subsequent spin-down processes, saving time while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Prevents micro voids and enhances thermal efficiency by eliminating void formation and improving heat transfer, allowing variable reaction volumes without spin-down processes.

Implementation Method 1

the PCR cartridge is located in a direction horizontal to the direction of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the interface module, such that micro voids are not formed inside the PCR cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

PCR cartridges need to be heated with a heating block for DNA amplification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260061425A1Socket-type PCR cartridge, rotational real-time PCR device and operation method by the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 AI BIOTICS CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a socket type PCR cartridge, a rotational real time PCR device having the same and an operation method of a rotational real time PCR device having a socket type PCR cartridge. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a socket type PCR cartridge in which the PCR cartridge is located in a direction of centrifugal force in which an interface module rotates such that DNA mixture solution can be easily injected by the centrifugal force, and the shape of the PCR cartridge is hexahedral such that it can be in close contact with a heating block, a rotational real time PCR device having the same and an operation method of a rotational real time PCR device having a socket type PCR cartridge.