Tempering Apparatus Self-Diagnosis via Dual Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tempering apparatuses, such as thermocyclers and thermomixers, face challenges in maintaining precise temperature control and detecting operational failures, which can affect the reliability and reproducibility of chemical reactions like PCR, especially due to performance variations and sensor drift, requiring complex and time-consuming calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
The tempering apparatus incorporates at least two temperature measurement devices per control loop and a testing device with signal connections to these sensors, allowing for real-time monitoring of operating conditions and easy detection of failures through comparison with reference values, enabling improved reliability and reduced maintenance efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external thermometer and calibration sets are used to examine temperature sensors, then measurement precision can be verified, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tempering apparatus performs self-diagnosis by using its own integrated temperature measurement devices to monitor and verify temperature control performance. The system compares measured temperatures against target values and automatically identifies potential failures or drift conditions, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment and reducing manual intervention requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature measurements from multiple sensors and feeds this information back to the control unit. By comparing actual measured temperatures with target temperatures and tracking changes over time, the system can detect sensor drift and performance degradation, enabling proactive maintenance without requiring external calibration devices.
2Reliability
If multiple temperature measurement devices are integrated into the tempering apparatus, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature measurement devices are strategically positioned at different locations within the tempering apparatus to monitor specific critical zones. Each sensor is assigned to monitor a particular temperature control zone, allowing the system to identify which specific sensor or zone is experiencing issues, thereby improving diagnostic precision without requiring all sensors to be replaced or upgraded.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring function is segmented across multiple independent sensors distributed throughout the apparatus. Each sensor operates independently to monitor its local temperature, and the control unit integrates these segmented measurements to assess overall system performance. This segmentation allows for localized failure detection and reduces the impact of individual sensor failures on overall system reliability.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring of operating conditions is implemented, then failure detection capability improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs temperature measurements and comparisons at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The control unit monitors temperature at key stages of the tempering program, such as during temperature changes or when holding at target temperatures, and triggers detailed diagnostic routines only when anomalies are detected or at scheduled intervals. This periodic monitoring reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective failure detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing temperature measurement devices and control unit are utilized for monitoring functions without requiring additional dedicated monitoring hardware or continuous high-power consumption systems. The control unit leverages its existing processing capabilities to analyze temperature data and identify potential failures, minimizing additional energy requirements while achieving comprehensive monitoring of operating conditions.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability and reproducibility of temperature control in tempering apparatuses by allowing for continuous monitoring and quick detection of operational issues, reducing the need for extensive calibration and improving the quality of chemical reactions such as PCR.
Implementation Method 1
tempering apparatus with electrically adjustable tempering devices as, for example, Peltier elements
Implementation Method 2
measuring member comprises a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 3
control loop, whose actuating member is the Peltier element and whose measuring member comprises a temperature sensor. In said control loop the actuating member is operated with the objective of bringing the temperature measured by the measuring member in accordance with a set temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tempering apparatus for tempering a sample comprising: at least one tempering block configured for receiving at least one sample, at least one tempering device arranged for tempering the tempering block, at least one temperature measurement device assigned to the tempering device, at least one control loop to which the tempering device and temperature measurement device are assigned to, at least one control device configured for control of the tempering of the tempering block, wherein the tempering apparatus comprises at least two temperature measurement devices assigned to the control loop, and that to the tempering apparatus a testing device for performing a test method is assigned to, wherein the testing device comprises a signal-connection to at least one of the at least two temperature measurement devices, such that at least one testing quantity of the tempering apparatus is detectable, which characterizes the operational status of the tempering apparatus.