Thermal Block Cycler Verification Method

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for functional testing of thermal block cycler units are energy-intensive, time-consuming, and can reduce the lifespan of the units, while also requiring the instrument to be brought to a specific state for testing.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for performance verification of thermal block cycler units that involves consecutively functional testing of hardware modules, with an order of tests defined to minimize energy consumption and time by utilizing the thermal energy and status of preceding tests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If functional testing is performed on thermal block cycler units, then performance verification is achieved, but energy consumption increases and the unit is taken out of use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance verificationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs functional testing during instrument setup and calibration phases before actual sample processing begins. By completing performance verification in advance, the system ensures reliability is confirmed before operational use, avoiding the need to take the instrument out of service for testing during productive periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates performance verification functionality into the regular operational workflow of the thermal block cycler. The same hardware components used for sample processing are utilized for functional testing, allowing the instrument to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated testing equipment or additional operational cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If functional testing is performed on thermal block cycler units, then performance verification is achieved, but the time the unit is out of use increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance verificationVSAvoidtime out of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs functional testing during instrument setup and calibration phases before actual sample processing begins. By completing performance verification in advance, the system ensures reliability is confirmed before operational use, avoiding the need to take the instrument out of service for testing during productive periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous operational readiness by performing functional tests during non-productive setup phases. The testing workflow is designed to proceed continuously through calibration and verification steps without interrupting the main sample processing workflow, ensuring the instrument remains in a known good state throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If functional testing is performed on thermal block cycler units, then performance verification is achieved, but the lifespan of the unit is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance verificationVSAvoidlifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs functional testing at appropriate intervals and thresholds rather than continuous exhaustive testing. The system monitors performance parameters and only initiates full functional verification when specific conditions are met or when performance degradation is detected, avoiding unnecessary repeated stress on the hardware while maintaining adequate verification coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs functional testing during instrument setup and calibration phases before actual sample processing begins. By completing performance verification in advance, the system ensures reliability is confirmed before operational use, avoiding the need to take the instrument out of service for testing during productive periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If functional testing is performed on thermal block cycler units, then performance verification is achieved, but the complexity of preparing the instrument increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance verificationVSAvoidpreparation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated functional testing capabilities that the thermal block cycler performs on itself without requiring external testing equipment or complex manual preparation procedures. The system self-diagnoses and self-verifies its performance through integrated sensors and control logic, eliminating the need for elaborate external test setups and reducing preparation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates performance verification functionality into the regular operational workflow of the thermal block cycler. The same hardware components used for sample processing are utilized for functional testing, allowing the instrument to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated testing equipment or additional operational cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method reduces energy consumption and time the thermal block cycler unit is out of use, while ensuring efficient and effective performance verification, thereby extending the unit's lifespan and improving user productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal block cycler unit for automated thermal treatment of at least one sample, wherein the thermal block cycler unit comprises at least one thermal block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the hardware modules comprise a plurality of heating and/or cooling elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

the hardware modules comprise a plurality of heating and/or cooling elements and at least one temperature sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentEP4534205A1Computer implemented method for performance verification of a thermal block cycler unit

Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS GMBH

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AI summary

A computer-implemented method for performance verification of a thermal block cycler unit (110) for automated thermal treatment of at least one sample is proposed. The thermal block cycler unit (110) comprises at least one thermal block (118) configured for receiving at least one sample vessel. The thermal block cycler unit (110) further comprises a plurality of hardware modules (120). The hardware modules (120) comprise a plurality of heating and/or cooling elements and at least one temperature sensor (122) The method comprises consecutively functional testing of the hardware modules, wherein an order of tests is defined considering the following criteria - every consecutive test uses for testing a thermal energy of its preceding test and/or a status of the thermal block cycler unit (110) of its preceding test, and - energy consumption is balanced between the steps in such a way that a difference between an input temperature before consecutively testing the hardware modules (120) and an output temperature after consecutively testing the hardware modules (120) is minimized.