PCR Vessel Metallic Layer for Uniform Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reaction vessels for PCR face challenges in maintaining uniform temperature during rapid thermal cycling due to the formation of temperature gradients, particularly in capillary formats, where electrical connections and mountings contribute to thermal insulation issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a highly thermally conducting metallic layer within the vessel walls, combined with a non-metallic inner layer, such as glass or polymeric materials, to form a composite structure that minimizes thermal gradients and ensures uniform temperature distribution, while using electrically insulating coatings to prevent interference with the heating elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a capillary tube format is used to reduce thermal mass and facilitate heat transfer, then heating and cooling speed is improved, but temperature gradients form due to thermal conduction through electrical connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating and cooling speedVSAvoidtemperature uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The vessel wall is divided into multiple layers: an inner non-metallic layer in contact with the sample, a middle metallic layer for thermal conduction, and an outer non-metallic layer for electrical insulation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interference, resolving the contradiction between rapid heating and temperature uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vessel employs a composite structure combining materials with different thermal and electrical properties. The metallic layer provides high thermal conductivity for uniform temperature distribution, while the non-metallic layers provide electrical insulation and chemical compatibility with the sample, creating a composite material system that resolves the thermal-electrical property contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If electrical connections are made to the ECP heating element, then heating function is enabled, but thermal conduction through connections creates temperature gradients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidtemperature gradient

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The outer non-metallic layer acts as an intermediary between the metallic heating layer and the external electrical connections. This intermediary layer provides electrical insulation while allowing thermal energy to be effectively transferred to the sample, preventing harmful thermal conduction through the electrical connection path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If a metallic layer is used for thermal conduction, then temperature uniformity is improved, but chemical reactivity with biological samples occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature uniformityVSAvoidchemical reactivity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different layers of the vessel wall have different local qualities: the inner non-metallic layer provides chemical inertness where it contacts the sample, while the middle metallic layer provides high thermal conductivity. This local differentiation of material properties allows each layer to optimize its specific function without causing harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Speed

If the vessel wall is made thin to reduce thermal mass, then heating and cooling speed is improved, but structural integrity and insulation properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal response speedVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The vessel structure employs a nested multi-layer configuration where thin layers are arranged concentrically. This nesting allows the total wall thickness to remain small for rapid thermal response, while each individual layer contributes to structural integrity and specific functional properties, achieving both speed and strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration enables efficient heat transfer and maintains a flat temperature profile across the sample, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of PCR reactions by reducing thermal gradients and ensuring compatibility with biological samples.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a highly thermally conducting metallic layer within the vessel walls... to form a composite structure that minimizes thermal gradients and ensures uniform temperature distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

using electrically insulating coatings to prevent interference with the heating elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

The ECP acts as a resistive heater and so it is required to be connected to an electrical supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9138748B2Reaction vessel comprising conductive layer and inner non-metallic layer

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 ENIGMA DIAGNOSTICS IP LTD

AI summary

A reaction vessel for conducting a chemical or biochemical reaction, such as a polymerase chain reaction wherein at least one wall of said vessel comprises a metallic layer and an inner non-metallic layer. Reaction systems comprising combinations of vessels of the invention and apparatus for heating them, as well as particular reactions vessels are also described and claimed.