Thermal Detection Module with Variable Inter-Distance for PCR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instruments for thermal treatment and fluorescence detection of liquid samples, such as those used in PCR, face challenges in maintaining uniform temperature and efficient optical detection due to mechanical and thermal issues, leading to variations in reaction outcomes and detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An automated instrument with a temperature-controlled receptacle and a detection module equipped with optical fibers, where the inter-distance between the receptacle and optical fibers can be varied to allow for loading/unloading of samples and precise detection, using a moving mechanism and a controller to manage thermal treatment and fluorescence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receptacle and detection module are fixed in position, then thermal treatment stability is improved, but sample loading/unloading efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a moving mechanism that enables the detection module to dynamically adjust its position relative to the receptacle. The detection module can be moved to a first position during thermal treatment for stable detection, and to a second position for sample loading/unloading. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the inter-distance between receptacle and optical fibers is reduced for better detection, then detection precision is improved, but sample loading/unloading accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The moving mechanism allows the detection module to adjust the inter-distance between the receptacle and optical fibers dynamically. During detection, the module positions itself close to the receptacle for high precision. During loading/unloading, it moves away to provide accessibility. This resolves the contradiction between detection precision and operational accessibility.
3Measurement precision
If the detection module is positioned close to the receptacle for continuous detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to thermal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational cycle into distinct phases: detection phase and loading/unloading phase. During the detection phase, the detection module is positioned close to the receptacle for accurate measurements. During loading/unloading, it moves away, reducing thermal interference and maintaining mechanical stability. This temporal segmentation resolves the contradiction between detection accuracy and mechanical stability.
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 solution ensures uniform thermal treatment and enhanced optical detection capabilities, improving the accuracy and reliability of nucleic acid amplification processes like PCR by maintaining precise temperature control and efficient light transmission, thereby improving the detection of reaction products.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling arrangement provided with a plurality of optical fibers for transmitting the emitted light to the detection arrangement
Implementation Method 2
a temperature-controlled receptacle for loading with a plurality of vessels for containing the samples, the receptacle being configured to form a thermal communication with the loaded vessels
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument and a method for the automated thermal treatment of liquid samples are disclosed. An inter-distance between a temperature-controlled receptacle for loading with a plurality of vessels for containing the samples and end portions of optical fibers can be varied, wherein the receptacle is configured to form a thermal communication with the loaded vessels and wherein the optical fibers have first and second end portions. The first end portion and the second end portion of each optical fiber is fixed with respect to each other for transmitting light, wherein the variation of the in-ter-distance allows the vessels to be loaded to or unloaded from the receptacle and to enable detection of light from the samples contained in the one or more receptacle-loaded vessels.