Movable Dual-Surface Temperature Control for Sample Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory temperature control devices are limited to specific sample shapes and experimental conditions, require specialized expertise for modifications, and necessitate multiple devices for different process steps, lacking flexibility and automation for universal application.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device with two independently controllable temperature control elements that can be moved towards or away from a sample container using a displacement mechanism, allowing contact-based, precise temperature control adaptable to various sample formats and automatable for multi-stage processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate apparatuses are used for different temperature control needs, then each apparatus can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases and multiple workstations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature control functions (heating and cooling) into a single apparatus with a unified sample container system. The sample container can be heated by a heating element and cooled by a cooling element, eliminating the need for separate apparatuses for different temperature control needs while maintaining optimization for each function through dedicated heating and cooling elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample container is designed as a universal component that can be used across different temperature control conditions. The container features a standardized bottom surface that interfaces with both heating and cooling elements, allowing the same container to be used for heating, cooling, and temperature maintenance operations without requiring specialized containers for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized equipment is manufactured for rarely used methods, then the equipment can be optimized for specific sample carriers, but the cost increases and coordination with other users is required
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs a universal sample container design with a standardized bottom surface that can interface with different temperature control elements. This allows the same sample container to be used across various experimental conditions (heating, cooling, temperature maintenance) without requiring specialized equipment for each method, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability to different sample carriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus allows dynamic reconfiguration of temperature control elements around the sample container. The heating and cooling elements can be positioned and adjusted as needed, enabling the system to adapt to different sample carrier types and experimental requirements without requiring dedicated specialized equipment for each configuration.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to control processes, then flexibility in controlling and stopping processes is maintained, but the user must be tied to the specific device for the duration of the process
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates automated control capabilities that allow the system to manage temperature control processes independently. The microprocessor-based control system can automatically regulate heating and cooling elements, maintain target temperatures, and execute pre-programmed experimental protocols without requiring continuous user intervention, thereby reducing the time users must be tied to the device while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable parameters.
4Extent of automation
If industrial automation systems are scaled down to laboratory scale, then automation capability is achieved, but the systems require readily available expert knowledge for modifications and reduce flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with user-friendly interfaces and pre-configured parameters that enable laboratory users to operate the automated temperature control without requiring specialized automation expertise. The microprocessor-based system handles complex control algorithms internally while presenting simplified operation to the user, maintaining automation capability while eliminating the need for expert knowledge for modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows flexible modification of experimental parameters (temperature setpoints, heating/cooling rates, time profiles) through software configuration rather than hardware modifications. This enables laboratory users to adapt the automated system to different experimental requirements by changing control parameters without requiring knowledge of automation system architecture or physical modifications to the apparatus.
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 flexible, precise, and automated temperature control of samples, supporting different sample formats without requiring expertise changes and allowing targeted temperature profiles for thermosensitive processes.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature control surfaces can be brought into contact with the sample container
Implementation Method 2
the temperature control elements being able to be moved towards each other and away from each other in the opposite direction of displacement by means of a displacement mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a temperature control device (1) for a sample container. The temperature control device (1) has two temperature control elements (2). Each temperature control element (2) has a temperature control surface (3). The two temperature control surfaces (3) are aligned opposite each other. The temperature control elements (2) can be moved towards each other and away from each other in a displacement direction (5) by means of a displacement mechanism (4) of the temperature control device (1), so that the temperature control surfaces (3) can be brought into contact with the sample container.