PCR Module One-Touch Chip Mounting and Contamination Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing PCR modules are susceptible to contamination of the detecting unit and heater unit during the installation or removal of the PCR chip, leading to reduced accuracy and potential damage due to exposure and improper adhesion, as well as inconvenience in handling.
Innovation Solution
A PCR module design featuring a one-touch PCR chip installation unit with a heater mounting guide and push rod mechanism that adheres the heater unit to the PCR chip with predetermined pressure, and a housing that covers the heater and detecting units to prevent exposure, along with a detaching button for safe removal, ensuring optimal adhesion and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detecting unit and heater unit are exposed for PCR chip installation, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting unit and heater unit are nested within the housing structure, with the detecting unit positioned in a detecting chamber and the heater unit in a heater chamber. The PCR chip is inserted through an opening that allows access while the units remain protected inside the housing, preventing direct exposure to contaminants during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure between the external environment and the sensitive detecting/heater units. It provides a protective barrier that allows PCR chip installation while preventing direct contact between external contaminants and the internal units, thus reducing contamination risk.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual pressure application is used for heater adhesion, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the insertion force of the PCR chip itself to activate the push rod mechanism, which automatically applies the required pressure to the heater unit. The spring provides continuous pressure without requiring external manual intervention, making the system self-regulating and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rod mechanism with spring provides dynamic, adjustable pressure based on the insertion depth and force of the PCR chip. The spring compresses as the chip is inserted, automatically applying the necessary adhesion pressure, and can adapt to variations in insertion force without requiring complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If multiple components are exposed for PCR chip installation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting unit, heater unit, and PCR chip are nested within the housing structure with defined chambers and positions. This nesting arrangement ensures that components remain in their proper positions during operation, preventing misalignment or displacement that could compromise system reliability, while still allowing accessible installation through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is pre-configured with the detecting unit, heater unit, and push rod mechanism in their correct positions before PCR chip installation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the chip is inserted, all components are already aligned and ready for operation, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures that could introduce errors and maintain system reliability.
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 contamination and damage to the detecting and heater units, facilitates easy and secure one-touch installation and removal of the PCR chip, and ensures optimal temperature adhesion, enhancing the accuracy and convenience of PCR reactions.
Implementation Method 1
a heater unit for heating the PCR solution in the PCR chip with a preset temperature
Implementation Method 2
The push rod may be elastically biased towards the heater mounting guide by a spring
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) module and a PCR system including the same. The PCR module includes: a detachable PCR chip including a PCR chamber unit in which a PCR solution is accommodated; a heater unit for heating the PCR solution in the PCR chip with a preset temperature; a detecting unit for detecting a PCR signal of the PCR solution; a PCR chip installation unit for mounting/detaching the PCR chip using a one-touch method, in which the heater unit is adhered to the PCR chip with a predetermined pressure when mounting the PCR chip and the heater unit is separated from the PCR chip when detaching the PCR chip; and a housing covering at least the heater unit and the detecting unit so that they are not exposed to the outside.