Tempering Block Module Ejection Plungers for Adhesion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermocyclers face challenges in safely and reliably removing microtiter plates from tempering blocks due to adhesion issues, leading to potential sample loss and equipment malfunctions, especially in automated processes.

Innovation Solution

A tempering block module with independently controlled ejection plungers and a cover drive system that applies a controlled pressing force, allowing for flexible and precise movement of microtiter plates to prevent adhesion-related issues during removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a pressing force is applied against the cover to ensure firm thermal contact, then thermal contact is improved, but adhesion occurs causing difficult removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal contactVSAvoidremoval process

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection plungers are activated before the microtiter plate is fully removed, preemptively breaking the adhesion bond between the plate and tempering block. This preliminary action prevents the harmful jerky motion that would otherwise occur during removal, allowing the plate to be lifted smoothly despite the pressing force that created adhesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The removal process uses periodic alternating activation of ejection plungers rather than simultaneous activation. This periodic action creates a controlled sequence where plungers are activated in turns, gradually breaking adhesion and lifting the plate in a controlled manner, preventing sudden releases and sample loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If ejection mechanisms are added to assist lifting, then removal is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval processVSAvoidejection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection plungers serve multiple functions: they break adhesion between the microtiter plate and tempering block, provides lifting force during removal, and can be used to apply additional pressing force during thermal treatment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms and justifies the added complexity by providing versatile operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection plungers are integrated into the existing cover structure and tempering block assembly, using the same actuation system that controls the cover movement. The plungers automatically activate in coordination with cover opening, eliminating the need for a completely separate control system and reducing overall system complexity despite adding ejection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If microtiter plates are removed manually, then simplicity is maintained, but safety and precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval mechanismVSAvoidsample safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors the position and movement of the cover and ejection plungers, adjusting activation timing based on detected conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that plungers are activated at the optimal moment during cover opening, providing reliable adhesion breaking and controlled lifting even with variations in plate adhesion strength, thereby ensuring sample safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical removal process is replaced with an automated electromechanical system where the control unit electronically coordinates plunger activation with cover movement. This substitution of electronic control for manual operation provides precise timing and force control, eliminating the variability and safety risks associated with manual removal while maintaining system simplicity through integrated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11247210B2Tempering block module and apparatus for the thermal treatment of samples

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 BIOMETRA GMBH

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a tempering block module for the thermal treatment of samples, comprising: a tempering block; and an ejection mechanism for lifting reaction vessels off the tempering block, the ejection mechanism including first and second ejection plungers that are movably mounted in the tempering block module perpendicular to the tempering block from a first position, retracted into the tempering block module, into a second position, extended out of the tempering block module, and wherein the tempering block module includes a first plunger drive connected to the first ejection plunger for driving the movement of the first ejection plunger and a second plunger drive, different from the first plunger drive, connected to the second ejection plunger for driving the movement of the second ejection plunger from the first to the second position or from the second to the first position.