Self-Calibrating Flow Cell Temperature Control for Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sequencing instruments face challenges in accurately controlling and calibrating temperature, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in sequencing performance due to the temperature sensitivity of enzymes and sequencing chemistry.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a flow cell interface, temperature control device, infrared sensor, and controller for self-calibration, allowing for precise temperature control and calibration without the need for costly tools or on-site technicians, using a controller to compare commanded and actual temperature values and adjust accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional temperature calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed, but it requires costly tools and on-site technicians, increasing operational complexity and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration using an integrated infrared sensor to measure the temperature of the flow cell support and compare it with the commanded temperature from the temperature control device. The controller automatically adjusts calibration parameters based on the measured difference, eliminating the need for external technicians and specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact temperature sensors with an infrared sensor that measures temperature remotely through thermal radiation. This non-contact measurement method simplifies the calibration process and eliminates the need for physical intervention during calibration.
2Manufacturing precision
If frequent temperature calibration is performed, then sequencing data quality improves, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-calibration capability allows the system to perform rapid temperature verification and adjustment automatically during operation or between runs, eliminating the need for lengthy manual calibration procedures and reducing downtime between sequencing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can perform quick calibration checks and adjustments during idle periods or transitions between sequencing runs, maintaining continuous operational readiness without significant interruptions to the sequencing workflow.
3Measurement precision
If manual temperature calibration is performed, then calibration can be completed, but it requires on-site technicians and specialized tools, increasing operational cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs temperature calibration by having the infrared sensor measure the flow cell support temperature, comparing it with the commanded temperature, and adjusting calibration parameters through the controller without requiring external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared sensor acts as an intermediary measurement tool integrated into the system, eliminating the need for external calibration tools and technicians. It provides continuous temperature feedback that the controller uses to automatically adjust calibration parameters.
4Productivity
If temperature control is not accurately calibrated, then operation is simpler, but sequencing performance becomes inconsistent due to temperature sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the infrared sensor to continuously monitor the actual temperature of the flow cell support and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller compares the measured temperature with the commanded temperature and automatically adjusts calibration parameters to maintain accurate temperature control, ensuring consistent sequencing performance.
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 accurate temperature calibration, reducing downtime, improving sequencing data quality, and minimizing spatial variation, with frequent calibrations and remote diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor... to measure an actual temperature value of the flow cell support
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and related temperature calibration methods. In accordance with a first implementation, an apparatus includes a flow cell interface, a temperature control device, an infrared sensor, and a controller. The flow cell interface includes a flow cell support and the temperature control device is for the flow cell support. The controller is to command the temperature control device to cause the flow cell support to achieve a temperature value, cause the infrared sensor to measure an actual temperature value of the flow cell support, and calibrate the temperature control device based on a difference between the commanded temperature value and the actual temperature value.