Temperature-Control Device with Lid Opening for PCR Pipetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature-control devices for PCR are inefficient for single-sample analysis due to high initial costs, space requirements, and energy consumption, as well as the need for additional work steps to open and close the device for sample handling.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-control device with a heat-insulated interior space and a heatable heating block that directly heats the reaction vessel while the lid is indirectly heated through a heat-conducting cover, allowing for pipette access without removing the reaction vessel, using a heatable heating body that surrounds the hollow body and communicates with the lid via a heat-conducting contact region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a thermocycler is designed to receive multiple reaction vessels, then parallel processing capability is improved, but device size, initial costs, and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control system into two independent modules: a heating block for the reaction vessel and a separate lid heater for the cap. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and enables the system to handle single samples efficiently without requiring a large multi-position thermocycler.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid heating function is extracted as a separate component from the main heating block. The lid heater is positioned above the reaction vessel and can heat the lid independently, allowing the main thermocycler body to remain compact while still providing condensation prevention functionality.
2Device complexity
If the lid is indirectly heated via thermal contact with the heating block, then device complexity is reduced, but lid temperature is insufficient to prevent condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermally conductive lid as an intermediary component between the reaction vessel and the lid heater. The lid acts as a heat transfer mediator, conducting heat from the lid heater to the cap to prevent condensation while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is pre-heated by the lid heater before the condensation problem occurs during the PCR cycle. This preliminary heating action ensures that the lid and cap are already at the appropriate temperature to prevent condensation when the reaction reaches conditions where condensation would normally form.
3Ease of operation
If the reaction vessel is removed from the thermocycler for pipetting, then sample access is improved, but additional work steps and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the lid with a central opening that accommodates the pipette tip, allowing the pipette to pass through the lid and access the reaction vessel while the vessel remains nested within the heated chamber of the thermocycler. This nested configuration enables sample manipulation without removing the vessel from the temperature-controlled environment.
4Temperature
If a heated lid is pressed directly on the reaction vessel cap, then thermal contact is improved, but cap deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible or compliant lid structure that can adapt to the cap shape without exerting excessive localized pressure. The lid material or design allows for gentle conforming contact that maintains thermal coupling while avoiding deformation of the cap seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid heater applies heat over a broader area than just the cap contact point, distributing thermal energy through the lid structure. This partial heating approach ensures adequate thermal contact without concentrating excessive force or temperature at the cap interface that would cause deformation.
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 efficient sample handling and temperature control for single-sample PCR without opening the device, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for additional work steps, while maintaining a defined spatial climate and preventing condensation.
Implementation Method 1
a heating block (7) which is adapted to the base of the reaction vessel (1) and contacts the latter in order to heat a sample (8) located in the reaction vessel (1)
Implementation Method 2
The lid (3) comprises a heat-conducting material, is covered by a heat-insulating cover (9) and contacts the cap (1.3). a heatable heating body (4) which surrounds the hollow body (1.1)... communicates with the lid (3) via a heat-conducting contact region (5)
Implementation Method 3
The lid (3) comprises a heat-conducting material, is covered by a heat-insulating cover (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-control device for receiving a reaction vessel having a heat-insulated interior space and which is covered by a lid. The reaction vessel has a hollow body and a cap, this hollow body being closed on one side by a base. The base contacts a heatable heating block in order to heat a sample located in the reaction vessel. The hollow body is surrounded by a heatable heating body which communicates with the lid via a heat-conducting contact region so that the heating body heats the hollow body directly and heats the cap indirectly via the lid.