Device, system and method for cooling a reagent compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for reagent compartments in automated analyzer systems are limited by the need for direct attachment of cooling units, which restricts the shape and material of the compartment, complicates insulation, and hinders access for maintenance due to the requirement for forced air flow and watertightness.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing that separates the cooling unit from the reagent compartment, featuring a Peltier element with a warm upper side and cold lower side, utilizing fans for air circulation within a closed system to efficiently cool the compartment while allowing for easier access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cooling unit is directly attached to the reagent compartment, then effective cooling is achieved, but the shape and material of the compartment are restricted and service access is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate functional modules: a cooling unit with Peltier elements and a reagent compartment. The cooling unit is housed in a separate housing that can be attached to or removed from the reagent compartment, allowing independent optimization of each component's shape and material while maintaining effective thermal coupling through designated attachment surfaces.
2Reliability
If the cooling unit is mounted at the bottom of the reagent compartment, then cooling is effective, but complex watertight insulation is required to prevent condensed water damage
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal interface material or heat sink structure acts as an intermediary between the cooling element and the reagent compartment. This intermediary manages heat transfer while providing a natural path for condensed water to drain away from electrical contacts, eliminating the need for complex watertight insulation barriers.
3Reliability
If the cooling unit is mounted at the bottom, then cooling works effectively, but the overall system height increases due to heat exchanger and air flow space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling unit is repositioned from a bottom-mounted configuration to a side-mounted or top-mounted configuration on the reagent compartment. This dimensional change in mounting location allows the heat exchanger and air flow paths to be arranged horizontally rather than vertically, reducing the overall height of the system while maintaining effective cooling through alternative thermal coupling surfaces.
4Reliability
If the cooling unit is directly integrated with the reagent compartment, then cooling is effective, but service access requires complete disassembly of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling unit is designed with a dynamic mounting arrangement that allows it to be easily attached and detached from the reagent compartment. This may involve quick-connect mechanisms, removable housings, or modular designs that enable service personnel to access and maintain the cooling unit without requiring complete disassembly of the automated analyzer system.
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 solution provides greater flexibility in the design of the reagent compartment, improves access to the cooling unit, and reduces the overall height of the system by separating the cooling components, while maintaining effective temperature control and preventing water damage to the cooling elements.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit with at least one cooling element with a warm upper side and a cold lower side
Implementation Method 2
a cold side heat exchanger comprising at least one first fan, a at least one cold air channel and at least one cold air opening at the first side of the housing for circulating cold air between the at least one cooling element and the reagent compartment in a closed system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a device, system and method for cooling a reagent compartment. The invention also relates to a use of the device. The device comprises a housing with a first side for attachment to the reagent compartment, a cooling unit with at least one cooling element with a warm upper side and a cold lower side, that is equipped with a cold side heat exchanger comprising at least one first fan, a at least one cold air channel and at least one cold air opening at the first side of the housing for circulating cold air between the at least one cooling element and the reagent compartment in a closed system.