Thermal Cycler Layout for Faster Reaction Liquid Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal cyclers face challenges in rapidly and efficiently heating or cooling reaction liquids due to high heat capacity and thermal resistance, leading to reduced lifespan and inefficient temperature control cycles.
Innovation Solution
A thermal cycler design that integrates a temperature adjustment block, a thermoelectric conversion unit, an insulating substrate, and a heat radiating unit, where the thermoelectric conversion unit is sandwiched between the temperature adjustment block and the insulating substrate, eliminating the need for an insulating substrate between them, and using materials like aluminum nitride for the temperature control block to reduce heat capacity and thermal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the heat capacity of the temperature control block is reduced to accelerate temperature control cycles, then the heating and cooling speed improves, but the thermal resistance of insulating substrates and thermal interface materials becomes dominant, deteriorating heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the insulating substrate from between the temperature control block and the thermoelectric conversion module, extracting the problematic thermal resistance source. This allows direct thermal contact between the temperature control block and the module, eliminating the thermal barrier that was dominating heat transfer resistance after heat capacity reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the temperature control block and the thermoelectric conversion module into direct contact, combining these two components into a unified thermal interface. This eliminates the separate insulating substrate layer and its associated thermal resistance, creating an integrated thermal path for efficient heat transfer.
2Reliability
If insulating substrates using alumina are used in thermoelectric conversion modules, then electrical insulation is provided, but the heat capacity ratio increases and thermal resistance deteriorates heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the insulating substrate from the thermal path between the temperature control block and the thermoelectric conversion module. This eliminates the thermal resistance introduced by the alumina substrate while maintaining electrical insulation through alternative means in the module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing electrical insulation only where necessary within the thermoelectric conversion module itself, rather than using a blanket insulating substrate across the entire interface. This allows optimal thermal contact at the interface while maintaining required electrical insulation properties locally within the module structure.
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 design allows for rapid and efficient heating or cooling of reaction liquids, extending the lifespan of the thermal cycler and reducing inspection time in genetic inspection apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric conversion module configured by sandwiching an electric circuit (a thermoelectric conversion unit) including a thermoelectric semiconductor and an electrode between insulating substrates. In such a thermal cycler, a temperature of the temperature control block storing a reaction liquid is heated or cooled by adjusting heat generation, heat absorption or joule heating obtained through a thermoelectric conversion action
Implementation Method 2
A time required to change a temperature of an object is characterized by a heat transfer amount transferred to the object which changes temperature and a heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the object
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a thermal cycler capable of rapidly and efficiently heating and cooling a reaction liquid. The thermal cycler according to the present invention comprises: a temperature control block where a reaction vessel can be installed, a thermoelectric conversion unit capable of heating and cooling, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the temperature control block, an insulating substrate that is in contact at one surface with the thermoelectric conversion unit, and a heat radiating unit that is provided on the other surface of the insulating substrate and serves for discharging the heat of the thermoelectric conversion unit to the outside, wherein the temperature control block is heated and cooled by controlling a current or voltage supplied to the thermoelectric conversion unit on the basis of the temperature of the temperature adjustment block measured by the temperature sensor.