Thermal Block Assembly for Uniform PCR Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal cyclers face issues with temperature gradients and heat transfer delays within the sample block, leading to inconsistent PCR results due to irregularities in the heat sink and sample block positioning, which affect the reliability and efficiency of the PCR process.
Innovation Solution
A thermal block assembly with a heating and cooling element, a sample block, and thermal pads with lower thermal conductivity, along with temperature sensors and a heat sink design that minimizes irregularities, ensures uniform heat distribution and quick temperature changes, reducing transition times and improving sample block alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal pads with lower thermal conductivity are introduced between temperature sensors and heating/cooling element, then temperature uniformity across sample block is improved, but heat transfer delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using thermal pads with different thermal conductivity properties at different locations within the sample block assembly. Specifically, thermal pads are placed between the heating/cooling element and sample block, and between the cooling element and heat sink, creating localized thermal resistance zones that compensate for irregularities in heat distribution and improve overall temperature uniformity across the sample block.
2Reliability
If sample block positioning is made more precise to reduce temperature gradients, then PCR result consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves equipotentiality by creating a mechanically stable, precisely positioned sample block assembly that ensures uniform thermal contact between the sample block, heating element, and cooling element. The design incorporates features such as recesses, protrusions, and alignment mechanisms that automatically position the sample block in the correct location, eliminating temperature gradients caused by misalignment without requiring complex active positioning systems.
3Productivity
If transition time between temperature set points is reduced, then PCR efficiency is improved, but temperature control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the sample block in optimal thermal contact with the heating and cooling elements through precise mechanical design features. This preliminary mechanical alignment ensures that when temperature transitions are initiated, heat transfer begins immediately without delay from misalignment, allowing rapid temperature changes while maintaining precision through the pre-established thermal coupling.
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
The solution enhances the uniformity of heat distribution and reduces delays in heat transfer, resulting in more reliable and efficient PCR processes by minimizing temperature variations and transition times across the sample block, thereby improving the consistency of biological analysis results.
Implementation Method 1
one or more thermal pads between the one or more temperature sensors and heating and cooling element. The one or more thermal pads are made of a material that has a lower thermal conductivity than the sample block
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal block assembly for use in a biological analysis system includes a sample block, a heating and cooling element, a heat sink including a surface, the surface including a plurality of projections for engaging the heating and cooling element to hold the heating and cooling element on the heat sink. A thermal block assembly for use in a biological analysis system includes a heating and cooling element, a sample block including a lower surface configured to be thermally coupled to the heating and cooling element, one or more temperature sensors configured to extend through the one or more slots of the lower surface of the sample block, and one or more thermal pads between the one or more temperature sensors and heating and cooling element.