Tube Positioning Element for Optical Alignment in Thermal Cyclers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of tubes in optical measurements for in vitro amplification reactions is inconsistent, leading to varying measurement results due to different positioning, which complicates the handling and temperature control of tubes in thermal cyclers.
Innovation Solution
A tube arrangement with an integrally formed positioning element, such as a pin or pivot mechanism, allows for consistent alignment under an optical light beam and uniform temperature control, using a carrier to position multiple tubes as a unit, simplifying handling and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tubes are handled individually without a carrier, then handling flexibility is improved, but alignment consistency in optical measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tubes with a carrier structure that includes positioning elements. The carrier integrates several tubes and their positioning features into a single handleable unit, ensuring consistent alignment during optical measurements while maintaining ease of operation through unified handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary between the individual tubes and the handling system. It provides standardized positioning elements that ensure consistent alignment during optical measurements while allowing flexible handling of multiple tubes as a group.
2Ease of manufacture
If tubes are positioned without integrated positioning elements, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but alignment precision in thermal cyclers and optical systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning elements are integrated directly into the tube structure during manufacturing. This merging of the tube and positioning element into a single component ensures precise alignment without requiring separate assembly steps, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning elements are pre-formed as integral parts of the tubes during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that alignment precision is built into the tube structure itself, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing alignment adjustments.
3Temperature
If multiple tubes are handled separately, then individual temperature control is improved, but system complexity and handling time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tubes are combined into a single carrier assembly that can be handled as one unit. The carrier structure maintains individual tube positions, allowing each tube to receive appropriate temperature control while reducing overall system complexity and handling time through unified manipulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tube for chemical, biological or biotechnological matter is provided, wherein the tube has a positioning element, the positioning element shaped for engagement in a corresponding structure provided in a carrier.