PCR Sample Temperature Unit With Movable Heating and Cooling Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCR machines are not suitable for quickly changing the temperature of a reaction sample liquid due to low temperature increase and reduction speeds near the target temperatures, which hinders efficient DNA amplification processes.
Innovation Solution
A temperature controlling unit comprising a holder, a heating block, and a cooling block, where the heating block is movable relative to the liquid receiver and maintained at a temperature higher than the target temperature, and the cooling block is maintained at a temperature lower than the target temperature, allowing for direct and efficient heat transfer to quickly increase or decrease the liquid's temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional PCR machine uses a heating block and cooling block that are not in direct contact with the liquid receiver, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature increase and reduction speeds are low near target temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The heating block and cooling block are designed to be movable relative to the liquid receiver, allowing them to transition between contact and non-contact states. This dynamic configuration enables direct thermal contact when rapid temperature change is needed, while maintaining simplicity when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder serves as an intermediary component that maintains a constant temperature and provides a stable base for the liquid receiver. It mediates between the movable heating/cooling blocks and the liquid receiver, ensuring precise temperature control during thermal processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heating block and cooling block are always in contact with the liquid receiver, then temperature control is precise, but the device cannot adapt to different operational phases (heating vs. cooling)
Solution Approach 1:
The movable design of the heating and cooling blocks allows the system to dynamically adapt to different operational phases. During heating, the heating block contacts the liquid receiver; during cooling, the cooling block contacts it. This eliminates time waste from reconfiguration while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal control system is segmented into separate heating and cooling blocks that can independently contact the liquid receiver. This segmentation allows each block to be optimized for its specific function and enables rapid switching between heating and cooling modes without interference.
3Measurement precision
If the holder temperature varies during operation, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature control precision of the liquid is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical support for the liquid receiver and serves as a thermal reference at a constant temperature. This universal design maintains precision without adding separate temperature control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder maintains its own constant temperature independently, serving as a stable thermal baseline. This self-regulating property provides a reliable reference for temperature control during heating and cooling operations without requiring external intervention.
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
This solution enables rapid and precise temperature control, enhancing the efficiency of DNA amplification by allowing for quicker temperature changes and maintaining precise control at target temperatures, thus improving the PCR process.
Implementation Method 1
The heating block 12 is brought into contact with a liquid receiver 40 containing the liquid 50 to increase the temperature of the liquid
Implementation Method 2
The cooling block 13 is brought into contact with the liquid receiver 40 to reduce the temperature of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature controlling unit (X1) includes a holder (11) for a liquid receiver (40), a heating block (12) for heating the liquid in the liquid receiver (40), and a cooling block (13) for cooling the liquid in the liquid receiver (40). The holder (11) maintains a first temperature for keeping the temperature of the liquid in the liquid receiver (40) at a lower target temperature. The heating block (12) maintains a second temperature higher than a higher target temperature above the lower target temperature. The cooling block (13) maintains a third temperature lower than the lower target temperature. A temperature controlling method of the present invention includes a heating step for bringing a heating block (12) into contact with the liquid receiver (40) held by the holder (11) and a cooling step for bringing a cooling block (13) into contact with the liquid receiver (40) held by the holder (11).