Side-View Chemical Indicator Device with Heat Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional PCR thermocycling devices require square or circular configurations for test tubes, making it difficult to detect fluorescence from a side view due to light washout, which hinders the detection of chemical indicators in reaction vessels.
Innovation Solution
A portable, handheld device that allows for side-view detection of chemical indicators using a removable shield with different colored windows, adjustable illumination, and test tube holders arranged in rows for perpendicular viewing, enabling flexible detection of fluorescent, phosphorescent, luminescent, or colorimetric results across various wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If test tubes are arranged in square or circular configuration for batch PCR reactions, then productivity is improved, but side-view detection of fluorescence becomes difficult due to light washout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional top-down viewing geometry to side-view detection geometry. By arranging test tubes in rows and viewing from the side (perpendicular to illumination direction), the detection dimension changes, allowing fluorescence to be observed without light washout while maintaining batch processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the batch of test tubes into multiple rows arranged horizontally. This segmentation allows the illumination source to illuminate all tubes simultaneously from one side while the detector views all tubes from the opposite side, enabling both high throughput and effective fluorescence detection
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If test tubes are arranged in rows for side-view detection, then fluorescence detection visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device housing serves multiple functions: it holds the illumination source, positions the detector, supports the test tube racks in proper geometry, and provides structural framework for heat blocks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting device complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the illumination system, detection system, sample holders, and thermal control elements into a single integrated device housing. By merging these functions into one unified structure, the device achieves side-view detection capability without proportionally increasing overall complexity
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 clear and effective qualitative and quantitative detection of chemical reactions by allowing side-view observation of test tubes, reducing light washout and improving visibility of fluorescence, adaptable to multiple color reactions and formats.
Implementation Method 1
The device also comprises a set of heat blocks located proximal to the test tubes so as to be in thermal communication with the test tubes
Implementation Method 2
depending on the type of fluorescent dye or fluorescent probe used, the fluorescence is revealed by exposing the fluorescent dye or fluorescent probe in question to appropriate electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
the fluorescence is revealed by exposing the fluorescent dye or fluorescent probe in question to appropriate electromagnetic radiation and viewing the resulting fluorescence through a colored filter
Data Source
AI summary
A chemical indicator device comprising a housing that comprises a viewing port, a means to provide illumination, and test tube wells so configured such that the observer views the test tubes from the side.