Portable Thermal Block Module for On-Site Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal block modules are heavy, inconvenient for on-site use due to wired power supply, and slow to change temperatures, affecting reaction efficiency and reproducibility in field diagnostic testing.
Innovation Solution
A portable thermal block module with a planar heating element, thermally conductive substrate and bodies, and a fixing unit, capable of maintaining stable temperatures using a battery power source, and a temperature variable system with rotating shaft for rapid temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional thermal block modules are used, then temperature control function is provided, but weight is heavy and portability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal block module is divided into separate components: a heat block with multiple bodies for holding reaction vessels, a planar heating element, a fixing unit, and a battery power source. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables portable field use while maintaining temperature control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the heating system by using a planar heating element with high thermal conductivity material and a battery-powered portable design. These parameter changes enable lightweight construction without sacrificing temperature control reliability, allowing the device to be easily transported to field locations while maintaining stable temperature conditions for diagnostic testing.
2Ease of operation
If wired power supply is used, then continuous power is provided, but ease of operation is reduced due to portability constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical power supply system with a battery-powered portable system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connections to external power sources, significantly improving ease of operation in field conditions. The battery power source provides sufficient duration for diagnostic testing operations without requiring wired connections, enabling truly portable use while maintaining adequate power supply duration.
3Speed
If conventional heating systems are used, then heating function is provided, but speed of temperature change is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The planar heating element is designed to enable rapid periodic heating cycles, allowing quick temperature changes between different diagnostic test requirements. The high thermal conductivity material and planar geometry facilitate fast heat distribution throughout the block, achieving rapid temperature transitions while maintaining precise temperature control through the efficient thermal pathways provided by the conductive material structure.
4Productivity
If multiple reaction vessels are accommodated, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reaction vessel holding bodies are merged into a single integrated heat block structure. The fixing unit combines the heating element, heat block, and power source into one unified portable device. This merging approach allows multiple reaction vessels to be accommodated simultaneously without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the thermal management system is shared across all bodies through the common heat block and heating element.
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 lightweight, efficient, and precise temperature control for on-site diagnostic testing, reducing analysis time and improving reproducibility by maintaining optimal temperatures and facilitating quick temperature transitions.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, a heat block stacked on the heating element... each of the substrate and the bodies being made of a thermally conductive material
Implementation Method 2
each of the substrate and the bodies being made of a thermally conductive material... capable of maintaining stable temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are a portable thermal block module, a temperature variable system for a reaction vessel comprising same, and an on-site analysis device comprising same. The portable thermal block module may include a heating element, a thermal block stacked on the heating element, and a fixed unit. The thermal block may include a substrate and one or more bodies. The one or more bodies may be located on the substrate so as to be spaced apart from each other. Each body may include an insertion recess so that at least a portion of a reaction vessel can be inserted therein. The substrate and the bodies may be made of a thermally conductive material.