PCR Heating Device with Exposed Heater for Thin, Durable Cycling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCR heating devices are bulky due to their thickness, which requires high energy consumption for rapid temperature adjustments, and the thermal conductive components are prone to damage from high temperatures, leading to separation and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A PCR heating device with a circuit board having an opening structure for the heater, using two thermal conductive components on opposite surfaces to clamp and constrain the heater, reducing thickness and preventing solder melting by exposing the heater through the circuit board surfaces, with heat dissipation via fans or thermal electric coolers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the heater is covered by a thermal conductive component to transfer heat to the reagent container, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the thermal conductive component is exposed to high temperatures causing melting and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating zones with separate heaters positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right) within the heating cavity. Each heater is independently controllable, allowing selective heating of different regions to achieve uniform temperature distribution without overheating any single thermal conductive component.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating structure transitions from a single-layer covered design to a three-dimensional arrangement where heaters are positioned at multiple spatial locations surrounding the reagent container. This multi-dimensional positioning enables heat to reach the reagent container through multiple paths simultaneously, reducing thermal stress on individual components.
2Speed
If the heater generates high energy for rapid heating, then temperature adjustment speed is improved, but the overall device thickness increases due to additional protective layers
Solution Approach 1:
The heating cavity is constructed with a thin-walled structure that provides sufficient thermal insulation while maintaining minimal thickness. The cavity walls are designed to be just thick enough to contain the heating elements and provide electrical isolation, eliminating the need for excessive protective layers that would increase overall device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating cavity serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the heating elements, provides thermal insulation, supports the thermal conductive components, and maintains the structural integrity of the device. This functional integration eliminates the need for separate protective layers, reducing overall thickness while maintaining rapid heating capability.
3Productivity
If the heater is rapidly switched on and off for temperature cycling, then PCR reaction speed is improved, but heat accumulation damages the thermal conductive component and causes separation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independent heating zones, each with its own heater that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows for distributed heat generation, preventing heat accumulation in any single thermal conductive component while maintaining the rapid temperature cycling needed for high-speed PCR reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple thermal conductive components are introduced as intermediaries between the heaters and the reagent container. These components distribute the thermal load across multiple pathways, preventing excessive heat accumulation in any single component and reducing the risk of melting or separation during rapid temperature cycling.
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 device achieves rapid temperature cycling with reduced thickness and enhanced durability by minimizing heat exposure to solder connections, ensuring stable operation and efficient heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
When the heater is switched on, the heat generated by the heater is conducted to the reagent container via the thermal conductive component
Implementation Method 2
The thermal conductive component is attached to the lateral surface of the circuit board to contact and cover the heater. The thermal conductive component has the reagent container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A polymerase chain reaction heating device (12) and a related system can include a circuit board (26), a heater (28), a first thermal conductive component (30) and a second thermal conductive component (32). The circuit board (26) has an opening structure (34). The heater (28) is disposed inside and partly exposed via the opening structure (34). The first thermal conductive component (30) includes a first reagent storage portion (44) and a first heat conduction portion (46). The second thermal conductive component (32) includes a second reagent storage portion (48) and a second heat conduction portion (50). The first reagent storage portion (44) and the second reagent storage portion (48) can be used to form a reagent holder (52). The first heat conduction portion (46) and the second heat conduction portion (50) respectively abut against two opposite surfaces of the heater (28) for transmitting the heat towards the reagent holder (52).