Thermal Cycling Temperature Control Using Switchable Liquid Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PCR methods in thermal cycling devices face inefficiencies in temperature transition due to fixed heat-dissipating components, leading to increased energy consumption and prolonged cycle times.

Innovation Solution

A temperature control method utilizing a thermally-conductive carrier and a liquid delivery system to control heat dissipation and heating through a liquid interface with a temperature adjustment device, allowing rapid temperature changes by adjusting liquid presence and position relative to the carrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If fixed heat-dissipating fins and heat pipes are used on the sample carrier, then heat dissipation function is provided, but heating energy consumption increases and heating/cooling rates are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating energy consumptionVSAvoidheating and cooling rates

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fixed heat-dissipating components with a dynamic liquid cooling system. The liquid cooling plate can be selectively positioned to contact the sample carrier when cooling is needed, and retracted when heating is needed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize heat transfer pathways based on the operational mode, eliminating the energy waste caused by continuous heat dissipation from fixed fins and pipes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces liquid as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the cooling plate and the sample carrier. The liquid-filled cooling plate acts as a flexible thermal interface that can conform to the sample carrier surface, providing efficient heat dissipation when active while allowing the heating element to operate efficiently when cooling is not required. This intermediary approach resolves the conflict between continuous heat dissipation capability and heating energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fixed heat-dissipating fins and heat pipes are always installed on the sample carrier, then cooling function is available, but the electric heater must consume more energy to heat the sample carrier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling function availabilityVSAvoidelectric heater energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling plate with liquid cooling channels is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can be lowered to contact the sample carrier when cooling is required, and raised when heating is required. This dynamic positioning ensures that the cooling function is available when needed without continuously interfering with the heating process, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the electric heater while maintaining reliable cooling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Temperature

If fans or heat-dissipating fins are used for heat dissipation, then cooling is achieved, but heat dissipation rate is limited due to small air density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectVSAvoidheat dissipation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from gas-based heat dissipation (using fans and air) to liquid-based heat dissipation (using a liquid-filled cooling plate). Liquid has significantly higher heat capacity and thermal conductivity than gas, allowing for much more efficient heat transfer. The liquid cooling plate can absorb and dissipate heat at a much higher rate than conventional air-based systems, directly addressing the limitation imposed by air density while maintaining effective cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Enhances heating and cooling rates, reducing cycle times and energy consumption by optimizing heat transfer with liquid-mediated heat exchange.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid delivery device communicating with the first storage tank... controlling the liquid delivery device to make a liquid enter the first storage tank and touch the temperature adjustment device, so that a temperature of the thermally-conductive carrier decreases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a temperature adjustment device thermally coupled with the thermally-conductive carrier... the temperature adjustment device abuts against the first storage tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal coupling: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250353017A1Temperature control method for a thermal cycling device

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A temperature control method is performed for a thermal cycling device. The thermal cycling device includes a thermally-conductive carrier, a temperature adjustment device, a storage tank, and a liquid delivery device. The temperature adjustment device is thermally coupled with the thermally-conductive carrier. The storage tank is disposed corresponding to and abuts against the temperature adjustment device, or the temperature adjustment device is at least partially disposed in the storage tank. The liquid delivery device communicates with the storage tank. The temperature control method can control whether liquid contacts the temperature adjustment device through the liquid delivery device in coordination with whether the temperature device adjustment heats the thermally-conductive carrier, so as to produce rapid heating and heat dissipation effects.