Alignment Device for Magnetic Sample Enrichment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for enriching samples containing particles, such as cells, are complex, laborious, and imprecise, often requiring manual handling and are costly when automated, due to the need for precise manipulation of magnetic fields and pipettes to concentrate marked particles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a treatment chamber with a magnetic device, a container, a cannula, and an alignment device that allows for controlled magnetic field application and precise cannula insertion to separate and collect enriched particles without direct contact with the container walls, reducing operator error and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pipetting is used to remove sample after magnetic concentration, then the operator can control the suction process, but the risk of touching the test tube wall and losing marked particles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment device with a through-hole that guides the pipette tip. This mediator ensures the pipette remains properly positioned without direct operator manipulation, eliminating the risk of wall contact while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device with through-hole automatically guides and positions the pipette tip during suction. The system serves itself by providing built-in alignment features that eliminate the need for operator skill in maintaining proper pipette positioning.
2Productivity
If completely automated systems are used to reproduce operator activities, then the process becomes quicker and more reproducible, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the automated positioning function through the alignment device with through-hole. Instead of implementing full automation, it copies only the essential alignment and positioning function, achieving reproducibility without the complexity and cost of complete automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device appears to be a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and potentially disposed of. It provides the necessary alignment function without requiring expensive, complex automated systems.
3Reliability
If the pipette tip is kept at sufficient distance from the wall to avoid particle loss, then particle retention improves, but the operator cannot guarantee consistent positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The through-hole in the alignment device serves as an intermediary structure that physically constrains the pipette tip position. This mediator ensures consistent spacing from the test tube wall without requiring operator skill or precision, achieving both reliability and precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device fixes the critical parameter of pipette-to-wall distance. By changing from operator-controlled variable positioning to device-enforced fixed positioning, the system achieves consistent particle retention without requiring operator precision.
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
The system enables efficient, precise, and cost-effective enrichment of particles by minimizing the risk of particle loss and operator error, achieving comparable or superior results to automated systems at a lower cost and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic device (7) configured to create at least a magnetic field in at least a part of the treatment chamber (2) so as to move at least part of the treated particles (TP) onto the side wall (4) of the container (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system and method for handling a sample comprising particles (CE) bound to ferromagnetic particles (FP); a magnetic field is created in a container (3) inside which the sample (TS) is arranged so that the particles (CE) are attracted against a side wall (4) of the container (3); part of the sample (TS) is sucked through a cannula (8), kept in position by an alignment device (10) so as not to be in contact with the side wall (4) of the container (3), without withdrawing the particles (CE) that remain in contact with the side wall(4).