Sample Container Arrangement Using Negative Pressure for Thermal Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample container arrangements face challenges in achieving a well-defined thermal contact for tempering, especially in rotating disposable setups, leading to inefficient heat transfer and potential deterioration of PCR performance.

Innovation Solution

A sample container arrangement utilizing negative pressure to ensure safe and defined contact between sample containers and a tempering module, allowing for efficient heat transfer and precise temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If mechanical contact pressure is used to ensure thermal contact in rotating disposable arrangements, then thermal contact is improved, but the system becomes unsuitable for many sample container configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal contactVSAvoidsuitability for sample container configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses negative pressure (vacuum) applied to the cavity between the carrier and tempering module to press the sample containers against the tempering surface. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical contact pressure systems, enabling universal applicability across different sample container configurations while maintaining reliable thermal contact during rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Temperature

If air heating systems are used for tempering, then sample tempering is achieved, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates due to low heat capacity of air

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample temperingVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces air heating (thermal convection through gas) with direct thermal conduction by pressing sample containers against a solid tempering surface using negative pressure. This substitution of heating mechanism dramatically improves heat transfer efficiency by eliminating the low heat capacity limitation of air.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If physical contact systems without defined thermal contact are used (PCR tube cyclers, plate cyclers), then sample processing is enabled, but heat transfer becomes undefined and PCR performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processing capabilityVSAvoidthermal contact definition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a control system that monitors and regulates the negative pressure applied to the cavity, ensuring consistent and defined thermal contact between sample containers and the tempering surface. This feedback control maintains precise thermal contact conditions throughout the tempering process, eliminating the undefined heat transfer of conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Temperature

If infrared heating or laser beam systems are used, then special heating applications are enabled, but temperature control becomes difficult or requires special particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidtemperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex infrared or laser heating systems with a simple solid-to-solid thermal conduction system. By pressing sample containers against a temperature-controlled tempering surface using negative pressure, the system achieves precise and easy temperature control without requiring special particles or complex optical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

The use of negative pressure ensures a well-defined thermal contact, enabling fast and exact tempering of samples, even in moving or rotating carriers, thereby improving PCR performance and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The negative pressure, i. e. the negative relative pressure compared to ambient pressure, causes the ambient pressure to push the sample container(s) or the carrier comprising the sample container(s) to or against the tempering module during operation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtmospheric pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

the at least one tempering element within the tempering module... enabling fast and exact tempering of samples... efficient heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12296343B2Sample container arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 DIALUNOX GMBH

AI summary

The invention provides a sample container arrangement comprising a carrier for at least one sample container and a tempering module, comprising at least one tempering element and being at least sectionally in contact with the carrier such that the at least one tempering element is suitable to temper the at least one sample container, wherein the sample container arrangement is such that the carrier is kept in contact to the tempering module by negative pressure relative to ambient pressure.