Temperature Control Block with In-Situ Phase-Change Sensor Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control devices in biotechnology and molecular biology require separate calibration systems for accurate temperature monitoring, which are cumbersome and indirect, lacking direct validation of temperature sensors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a reference element composed of a material with a phase change in the solid state, allowing direct calibration, validation, and adjustment of temperature sensors within the device, eliminating the need for separate systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate calibration systems are used for temperature sensors, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration function into the temperature control block by integrating a reference element (melting ice) directly into the sample carrier. This eliminates the need for separate calibration systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature measurement accuracy through direct in-situ calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration using the phase change temperature of water (0°C) as a reference. The reference element automatically provides calibration data without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention, enabling the device to calibrate itself during operation.
2Reliability
If separate calibration systems are used, then temperature sensor validation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system automatically validates temperature sensors using the known phase change temperature of water. The reference element in the sample carrier provides continuous validation data, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures and making the device easier to operate while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the temperature at the reference element location and compares it against the known phase change temperature (0°C for ice). This feedback mechanism automatically validates sensor accuracy during operation, improving reliability without requiring manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If indirect calibration methods are used, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference element (melting ice) is prepared in advance within the sample carrier, providing an immediate calibration reference when needed. This eliminates the time required for external calibration procedures, as the calibration standard is already in position and can be used instantly for temperature validation.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the calibration reference (ice) with the sample carrier, the system enables simultaneous sample processing and calibration. This eliminates separate calibration steps and reduces overall time consumption while maintaining accurate temperature control.
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
Enables precise, direct, and continuous monitoring of temperature sensors, ensuring accurate temperature control without additional hardware, and facilitating in-situ calibration during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a reference element (17) for in situ calibrating, validating and/or adjusting of at least the temperature sensor (16), which reference element is composed at least partially of at least one material, which has in a temperature range relevant for calibrating the first temperature sensor (16) at least one phase change at at least one predetermined phase change temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A device for thermal treatment of samples includes: a base unit with a receiving region for a sample carrier; a temperature control block arranged in the receiving region; a lid; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the temperature control block; a control unit for heating and cooling the temperature control block; and a reference element for in situ calibrating, validating and/or adjusting of the temperature sensor, which reference element is comprised of a material having at least one phase change at at least one predetermined phase change temperature in a temperature range suitable for calibrating the temperature sensor, during which phase change the material remains in the solid state.