Precision temperature control microscope-mounting jig

• 

  integrated system of the jig mounted onto the microscope

• 

  jig setup prior to mounting onto a microscope

Inspiration

Biological fluids containing genetic materials are highly sensitive to temperature for certain reaction steps such as for PCR. For microfluidic technique-based products that does on-chip PCR reactions, it's useful to have such systematic setup done on a microscope benches for an offline product testing to observe unpredictable biological behaviors before going to production line.

What it does

Sets the temperature very accurately just onto the surface of where it needs to be heat-up up to higher than 100 degree celsius. Heat sink was put into consideration for safe usage of this tool to prevent any heat-burns on the users.

How I built it

Using calipers to design from scratch, with several design modifications after getting several reviews done by my team members.

Challenges I ran into

Wiring issues and making the electric wires harnessing to be safe and contained in a box. Mechanical designing was pretty tough for this, as there were many different components needed to be built in together.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

Good design, great precision temperature control, safe to use, and fun to use as well.

What I learned

How to implement hot sinks as part of my mechanical design. How to make an accurate temperature thermal controller. How PID controls work and how to use it with my product.

Built With

• c++
• flex-heat-sheets
• pid-controller
• solidworks
• temp-sensor