Rapid Thermal Cycling Device Using Segmented Heating and Cooling Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for rapid sample thermal cycling are limited by long thermal cycling time, high energy consumption, large apparatus size, and high cost, with inefficiencies in heating and cooling processes due to significant energy usage by non-sample materials and poor thermal conduction materials.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves reducing thermal mass, minimizing lateral thermal conduction, and utilizing radiative heating and cooling to achieve fast and energy-efficient temperature changes, with a compact and portable device design that includes a heating/cooling layer with a high thermal conductivity-to-capacity ratio, optimizing energy components for rapid heating and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional heating and cooling methods are used, then the apparatus can perform thermal cycling, but the thermal cycling time is long and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separate heating and cooling modules that can operate independently and simultaneously on different samples or sample regions. This segmentation allows parallel thermal processing, significantly reducing the total thermal cycling time while distributing energy consumption across multiple focused heating zones rather than heating entire chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic pulsed heating and cooling cycles with precise timing control. By using short, intense heating pulses followed by rapid cooling phases, the system achieves fast thermal cycling. The periodic activation of heating elements only when needed reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous heating approaches.
2Speed
If rapid thermal cycling is achieved through conventional means, then cycling speed increases, but apparatus size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and eliminates unnecessary thermal mass from the apparatus structure. By using thin-walled sample chambers and minimizing the mass of heating/cooling components, the system achieves rapid thermal response without requiring heavy insulation or large thermal reservoirs. Only the essential components needed for rapid cycling are retained.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs thin-film heating elements and flexible thermal coupling components that provide efficient heat transfer with minimal mass. Thin film structures allow rapid heating and cooling while keeping the overall apparatus lightweight and portable, eliminating the need for bulky traditional heating blocks.
3Speed
If conventional thermal cycling apparatus are used, then thermal cycling can be performed, but the apparatus is complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes. The same thermal chamber and control system can handle different sample types and perform various thermal cycling protocols. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining fast cycling capabilities across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic sample loading, programmable thermal protocols, and self-calibration features that reduce operational complexity. The control system automatically manages the complex coordination of multiple heating and cooling zones, eliminating the need for manual intervention and simplifying user operation despite the sophisticated underlying technology.
4Productivity
If rapid temperature changes are implemented, then assay speed increases, but energy efficiency decreases due to heating non-sample materials
Solution Approach 1:
The heating and cooling functions are localized precisely to the sample regions using focused heating elements and targeted thermal coupling. Only the portions of the apparatus containing samples undergo rapid temperature changes, while other parts remain at stable temperatures. This local thermal processing dramatically improves energy efficiency by eliminating waste heat in non-sample materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies heating and cooling actions only to the extent necessary for the assay requirements. By using partial heating zones that cover only the sample areas and applying just sufficient thermal energy to achieve the required temperature changes, the system avoids excessive energy consumption while maintaining high assay throughput.
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 approach enables rapid temperature cycling between 95°C and 55°C in less than a second, reducing energy consumption, and achieving high energy efficiency while maintaining a compact and cost-effective apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
the heating layer is configured to heat a relevant volume of the sample
Implementation Method 2
Radiative heating and cooling are preferred
Implementation Method 3
the cooling layer is configured to cool the relevant sample volume
Implementation Method 4
Radiative heating and cooling are preferred
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides, among other things, the devices and methods that can rapidly change or cycle (i.e. heat and cool) a sample temperature with high speed, less heating energy, high energy efficiency, a compact and simplified apparatus (e.g. handheld), easy and fast operation, and/or low cost.