Rotating Base Plate Thermal Control for Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing devices face challenges in efficiently rotating and thermally controlling multiple samples simultaneously, particularly in processes like PCR and nucleic acid manipulation, where precise temperature control and rapid temperature transitions are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rotating base plate with a sample processing device and an annular cover that uses magnetic elements for thermal coupling and isolation, allowing for simultaneous rotation and precise temperature control of samples, while enabling access for optical interrogation and sample delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating base plate with multiple chambers is used to process multiple samples simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is divided into multiple independently controllable chambers, each capable of maintaining its own temperature profile. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple samples with different temperature requirements, resolving the contradiction between high throughput and precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic thermal control where heating elements and cooling mechanisms can be independently activated for different chambers based on real-time temperature feedback. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures that each chamber maintains its target temperature despite the rotational motion and varying thermal loads from multiple samples.
2Productivity
If rapid rotation is used to process multiple samples, then productivity is improved, but temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each chamber is equipped with temperature sensors that continuously monitor temperature and provide feedback to the control system. The control system adjusts heating and cooling power in real-time to compensate for temperature fluctuations caused by rapid rotation, maintaining temperature stability while enabling high-speed processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts thermal parameters such as heating power, cooling flow rate, and insulation characteristics based on rotation speed and chamber position. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain temperature stability across a range of rotation speeds, optimizing both productivity and temperature control.
3Device complexity
If the cover is permanently coupled to the base plate, then structural simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with a dynamic coupling mechanism that allows it to be easily attached and detached from the base plate. This dynamic design enables quick access to chambers for optical interrogation and sample delivery while maintaining structural integrity during rotation, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the cover and base plate, providing secure attachment during operation while allowing easy separation when needed. This magnetic intermediary enables rapid tool-free assembly and disassembly, improving ease of operation without compromising structural simplicity.
4Manufacturing precision
If magnetic elements are used for thermal coupling, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic elements are used as intermediaries to provide both mechanical coupling and thermal conduction between the base plate and cover. This magnetic intermediary integrates structural and thermal functions into a single component, improving temperature control precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical attraction to secure the cover, enabling thermal conduction for temperature control, and allowing for easy coupling and decoupling. This multi-functionality improves temperature control precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 enables efficient thermal processing of multiple samples with precise temperature control and rapid transitions, facilitating processes like PCR and nucleic acid manipulation without the need for additional tools, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of genetic material amplification and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a cover adapted to be positioned facing the first surface of the base plate, the cover including a first projection... a housing comprising a portion movable with respect to the base plate between an open position in which the cover is not coupled to the base plate and a closed position in which the cover is coupled to the base plate
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a base plate adapted to rotate about a rotation axis. The system can further include a cover including a first projection, and a housing. A portion of the housing can be movable with respect to the base plate between an open position and a closed position, and can include a second projection. The first projection and the second projection can be adapted to be coupled together when the portion is in the open position and decoupled when the portion is in the closed position. The method can include coupling the cover to the portion of the housing, moving the portion of the housing from the open position to the closed position, and rotating the base plate about the rotation axis.