Rotating Sample Device Magnetic Coupling Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for rotating sample processing devices face challenges in achieving precise thermal control and rapid temperature transitions across multiple samples, which are essential for genetic amplification techniques like PCR and others, while also requiring efficient access and positioning without additional tools or equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rotating base plate with a sample processing device and an annular cover, where magnetic elements on the cover and base plate attract each other to secure and thermally couple the device, allowing for simultaneous rotation and precise temperature control, while the annular design provides access and isolation as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating sample processing device is used to process multiple samples simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but precise thermal control and rapid temperature transitions become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The sample processing device is divided into multiple independent process chambers arranged on a rotating base plate. Each chamber can be thermally controlled independently through selective heating elements and insulation structures, allowing precise temperature control for multiple samples simultaneously while maintaining the ability to perform rapid temperature transitions during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a rotating base plate that dynamically positions samples through controlled rotation. The rotation mechanism is synchronized with thermal processing cycles, allowing rapid temperature transitions by rotating samples between heated and cooled zones. This dynamic approach enables precise thermal control while processing multiple samples in parallel.
2Reliability
If the cover is always coupled to the base plate for secure positioning, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing the sample processing device
Solution Approach 1:
The cover coupling mechanism transitions from static to dynamic, allowing the cover to be easily coupled and decoupled from the base plate. Magnetic elements provide automatic alignment and secure attachment when coupled, while the modular design enables quick release for sample access. This dynamic coupling system maintains reliable positioning during operation while facilitating easy loading and unloading of samples.
3Ease of operation
If additional tools or equipment are used to position and access the sample processing device, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-aligning magnetic elements that automatically position the cover relative to the base plate without requiring external tools. The modular magnetic coupling mechanism enables automatic engagement and disengagement through simple linear motion, eliminating the need for complex positioning equipment or specialized tools while maintaining precise alignment and secure coupling.
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 efficient thermal processing of multiple samples with precise temperature control and rapid transitions, facilitating genetic amplification techniques without the need for additional tools, and allows for optical and mechanical access to the sample processing device.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first magnetic element operatively coupled to the base plate, and at least one second magnetic element operatively coupled to the cover, the at least one first magnetic element configured to attract the at least one second magnetic element to force the cover in a first direction along the z-axis
Data Source
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AI summary
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.