Thermal control device and methods of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal control devices for nucleic acid analysis, such as those used in PCR, face challenges with slow heating and cooling rates, especially in high-temperature environments, leading to inefficient reactions and side products due to their reliance on large thermal masses and fan-based cooling systems, which are inefficient and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A thermal control device utilizing a configuration of first and second thermoelectric coolers with a thermal capacitor in between, controlled by a sophisticated temperature management system that includes temperature sensors and dual control loops, allowing for rapid and precise temperature cycling by storing and releasing thermal energy efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fan-based cooling systems are used for thermal cycling, then cooling function is provided, but the system occupies large physical space and requires significant power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fan-based mechanical cooling systems with thermoelectric coolers (solid-state devices) that use electrical current to directly pump heat. This substitution eliminates the need for moving parts, reducing both physical space requirements and power consumption while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using thermoelectric coolers that can rapidly switch between heating and cooling modes by reversing current direction, enabling fast thermal cycling rates (up to 10°C per second) without the lag and overlap issues of fan systems.
2Speed
If large thermal mass is used for heating, then heating function is provided, but heating and cooling rates are limited to about 1°C per second
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional large thermal mass heating blocks with thermoelectric coolers that directly apply electrical energy to generate or remove heat at the sample interface, achieving rapid temperature changes without the thermal inertia of large mass systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the thermal control system into two independent thermoelectric coolers (one for heating, one for cooling) that operate in parallel, allowing simultaneous heating and cooling capabilities and enabling rapid thermal cycling rates of up to 10°C per second.
3Reliability
If fan-based cooling systems are used, then cooling is provided, but start-up lag time and shutdown overlap occur reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fan-based cooling with solid-state thermoelectric coolers that have no moving parts, eliminating start-up lag and shutdown overlap. These devices respond instantly to electrical control signals, providing digital-like precision in temperature cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by rapidly switching the polarity of current through thermoelectric coolers to alternate between heating and cooling modes, enabling precise thermal cycling without the temporal delays inherent in mechanical fan systems.
4Speed
If more powerful fans are incorporated to increase cooling rate, then cooling performance is improved, but space and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fan systems with thermoelectric coolers that achieve high cooling rates through direct electrical-to-thermal energy conversion, eliminating the need for high-power mechanical fans while maintaining or improving cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy conversion mechanism from mechanical (fans) to electrical (thermoelectric), allowing precise control of cooling rate through current magnitude and enabling rapid cooling without proportionally increasing power consumption.
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 enables faster and more efficient thermal cycling, reducing reaction times and minimizing side products, even in high-temperature environments, by allowing for rapid heating and cooling rates of up to 10°C per second, thus improving the accuracy and speed of nucleic acid amplification processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermoelectric cooler having an active face and a reference face; a second thermoelectric cooler having an active face and a reference face
Implementation Method 2
a thermal capacitor disposed between the first and second thermoelectric coolers such that the reference face of the first thermoelectric cooler is thermally coupled with the active face of the second thermoelectric cooler through the thermal capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
Thermal control devices adapted to provide improved control and efficiency in temperature cycling are provided herein. Such thermal control device can include a thermoelectric cooler controlled in coordination with another thermal manipulation device to control an opposing face of the thermoelectric cooler and/or a microenvironment. Some such thermal control devices include a first and second thermoelectric cooler separated by a thermal capacitor. The thermal control devices can be configured in a planar configuration with a means for thermally coupling with a planar reaction vessel of a sample analyzer for use in thermal cycling in a polymerase chain reaction of the fluid sample in the reaction vessel. Methods of thermal cycling using such a thermal control devices are also provided.