Sample Holder Temperature Control With Faulty Sensor Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate temperature monitoring and control of sample holders in laboratory instruments can lead to incorrect test results, increased maintenance costs, and operation downtimes due to defective temperature sensors, particularly in thermocycler instruments.
Innovation Solution
A method and laboratory instrument with a sample holder equipped with at least three identical temperature sensors and a control device that monitors and controls temperature uniformity by comparing actual temperatures to predefined ranges, ensuring accurate temperature profiles are maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple temperature sensors are used to monitor sample holder temperature, then temperature monitoring reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature monitoring function into multiple identical temperature sensors positioned at different locations on the sample holder. Each sensor independently monitors temperature at its specific location, and the control device compares readings from all sensors to detect deviations. This segmentation approach improves reliability by providing redundant monitoring points without requiring a completely new monitoring architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes all temperature sensors identical and interchangeable, with each sensor capable of performing the same temperature monitoring function at different locations. This universality allows the system to use multiple copies of the same simple sensor design rather than requiring different types of sensors for different positions, reducing individual sensor complexity while maintaining overall system reliability.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are monitored for failures, then test result accuracy is improved, but maintenance costs and operation downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring of temperature sensor functionality by continuously comparing readings from multiple sensors during operation. The control device detects deviations between sensors and identifies potential failures before they cause incorrect test results. This preliminary detection allows for planned maintenance during scheduled downtime rather than unexpected interruptions when failures occur during critical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the control device continuously receives temperature readings from multiple sensors, compares them against each other and expected values, and provides feedback about sensor health status. When a sensor deviation is detected, the system can alert operators to replace the faulty sensor during the next maintenance window, preventing future test failures while allowing current operations to continue with the remaining functional sensors.
3Manufacturing precision
If identical temperature sensors are used throughout the sample holder, then manufacturing precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring sensor failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the control device as an intermediary that facilitates comparison between readings from identical temperature sensors. The control device receives data from all sensors, performs computational analysis to detect deviations, and identifies which specific sensor has failed. This intermediary processing layer makes it easy to detect failures in identical sensors by providing automated comparison and anomaly detection algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in temperature parameters across different sensor locations to detect failures. By establishing baseline temperature relationships between sensor positions and monitoring deviations from these relationships, the system can detect when an identical sensor fails or provides erroneous readings. The control device analyzes parameter changes in real-time to identify faulty sensors while maintaining the benefit of using identical sensors throughout the sample holder.
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
Ensures reliable and cost-effective temperature control, reducing the risk of incorrect test results and minimizing maintenance downtime by detecting and excluding faulty sensors, thus maintaining the quality of temperature-dependent reactions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric element which is in thermal contact with the sample holder
Implementation Method 2
The sample holder comprises at least three identical temperature sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method to monitor and control the temperature of a sample holder of a laboratory instrument during execution of a temperature profile on the sample holder is presented. The laboratory instrument comprises a sample holder with high temperature uniformity and at least three identical temperature sensors. The measured actual temperatures of the sample holder are processed in order to determine if the execution of the temperature profile should be continued or aborted. Furthermore, temperature sensors which measure actual temperatures that do not fulfil certain requirements are excluded from further monitoring and controlling the temperature of a sample holder.