Tiltable Base Structure for PCR Thermal Module Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nucleic acid amplification apparatuses face challenges in achieving uniform temperature control across multiple reaction vessels, leading to variations in PCR reaction efficiency due to uneven contact and pressure distribution between reaction vessels and thermal blocks.
Innovation Solution
A base structure with a tiltable upper base portion and a central support member that includes an aligning member, such as a coil spring, to ensure even force distribution and automatic leveling of the thermal module, maintaining consistent pressure and minimizing thermal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If force is applied to press reaction vessels against the thermal block, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but uniform pressure distribution becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure plate is divided into multiple independent coil springs positioned at different locations (corners and center). Each spring independently applies force to the thermal block, enabling segmented force application that achieves uniform pressure distribution across the entire contact surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pressure plate have different spring configurations - corner springs and central spring are positioned to provide localized force application. This local quality variation ensures that pressure is evenly distributed across the thermal block surface, with each region receiving appropriate force to maintain uniform contact.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used to level the thermal block, then initial setup is possible, but consistency after repetitive use cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-leveling springs that automatically adjust and maintain thermal block levelness. The coil springs are designed to provide restoring force that counteracts any tilting or displacement of the thermal block, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain consistent leveling without manual intervention after repetitive use.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil springs act as cushioning elements that anticipate and compensate for potential misalignment or tilting of the thermal block. By pre-positioning these elastic elements, the system prepares for and automatically corrects any deviations from proper leveling, ensuring consistent performance throughout repeated operations.
3Device complexity
If the thermal block is not evenly pressed, then structure simplicity is maintained, but temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure plate incorporates elastic coil springs that can dynamically adjust to the thermal block's position and shape. This dynamic capability allows the system to automatically adapt to variations in thermal block placement, ensuring even pressure distribution and uniform temperature control without requiring complex rigid adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil springs change their physical parameters (compression, extension) in response to thermal block positioning. This parameter change capability allows the system to maintain optimal contact pressure and temperature uniformity by automatically adjusting the force applied at different locations on the thermal block surface.
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 provides stable and uniform temperature control, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and ensuring consistent results even after repetitive use, particularly beneficial in automated systems where thermal block balance is critical.
Implementation Method 1
coil springs are used to assist in transmitting and leveling the force originating from a clamp motor
Implementation Method 2
reaction vessels are placed in close contact with a thermal block which is heated and cooled by a thermoelectric device
Implementation Method 3
a thermal block which is heated and cooled by a thermoelectric device
Data Source
AI summary
A base structure for a sample analyzing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: an upper base portion for supporting a thermal module configured to hold a plurality of reaction vessels; and a lower base portion aligned with the upper base portion at the center axis via a central support member, the central support member configured to keep the upper base portion and the lower base portion together, wherein the upper base portion is tiltable with respect to the lower base portion, and the upper base portion tilts to a leveled state as the upper base portion and the lower base portion are pressed together.