PCR Sample Tube Extension Member Bubble Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCR sample tubes experience bubble formation and optical noise due to large air-contact areas, affecting heating efficiency and DNA amplification accuracy during PCR cycles.
Innovation Solution
The sample tube design features an annular side wall and bottom wall with an extension member that increases the heating area and reduces air-contact by positioning the reaction mixture between the extension members, thereby minimizing bubble formation and enhancing light beam guidance for improved PCR efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PCR sample tubes with separate covers are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the large air-contact area causes bubble formation and optical noise during heating cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sample tube body and cover into a single integrated structure where the cover is formed as an extension of the tube body. This eliminates the interface between separate components, reducing air-contact area and preventing bubble formation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through one-piece molding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a downward extension from the bottom of the tube body that protrudes into the accommodating space. This dimensional addition increases the heating surface area without expanding the tube's external footprint, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency and reducing bubble formation
2Productivity
If conventional PCR sample tubes are used, then the design is straightforward, but heating efficiency is reduced due to limited contact area between reaction mixture and tube walls
Solution Approach 1:
The downward extension from the bottom wall adds vertical heating surface area within the existing tube footprint. This dimensional innovation increases the contact area between the reaction mixture and heating surfaces without requiring a larger tube diameter, thereby improving heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The tube structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the main accommodating space for reagents, the downward extension for enhanced heating, and the integrated cover for sealing. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function while maintaining overall structural simplicity
3Reliability
If conventional PCR sample tubes with air space are used, then reagent volume adjustment is difficult, but bubble formation occurs due to large air-contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The downward extension creates a dynamic air-reagent interface that adapts to different reagent volumes. When reagent volume varies, the liquid level changes relative to the extension, automatically adjusting the air-contact area to minimize bubbles while accommodating different reaction mixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The downward extension acts as an intermediary structure between the reagent and the tube cover. It provides a controlled transition zone that manages the air-reagent interface, preventing direct large-area contact that causes bubbles while allowing flexibility in reagent volume
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 design enhances heating and cooling efficiency, reduces reaction time, minimizes bubble formation, and reduces optical noise by increasing the contact area between the reaction mixture and the sample tube while reducing exposure to air, thereby improving PCR accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light beam of the light source enters the reaction mixture via the bottom and the bottom wall of the sample tube and the first extension member sequentially
Implementation Method 2
the annular side wall and the bottom wall form an accommodating space for accommodating a reaction mixture; the reaction mixture immerses the first extension member during the PCR
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sample tube for polymerase chain reaction. The sample tube includes a sample tube body having an annular side wall and a bottom wall connected to annular side wall, wherein the annular side wall and the bottom wall form an accommodating space for accommodating a reaction mixture; and a first extension member extending from the bottom wall to the accommodating space, wherein, to carry out PCR, the reaction mixture immerses the first extension member, such that the light from the light source enters into the reaction mixture via the bottom and the bottom wall of the sample tube and the first extension member sequentially.