Annular Coil Magnetic Separation in a Micro-Pipe Without Moving Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic separation technologies are laborious, require multiple devices, and are difficult to miniaturize for portable analysis due to the need for complex mechanical structures to translate or rotate permanent magnets, leading to high maintenance costs and inefficient use of robotic arms.
Innovation Solution
An integrated magnetic separation apparatus using annular magnetic coils that generate a uniform electric field without mechanical displacement, allowing magnetic beads to move within a micro-pipe, controlled by a drive circuit board, with adjustable parameters to achieve smaller device size and adjustable performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent magnets are used for magnetic separation, then magnetic separation function is achieved, but complex mechanical structures are required for translation or rotation, making miniaturization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent magnets requiring mechanical translation or rotation with electromagnetic coils that generate magnetic fields electrically. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical structures while maintaining magnetic separation functionality, enabling miniaturization for portable analysis devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic coils where magnetic field strength can be controlled by adjusting electrical parameters such as current magnitude and pulse duration. This allows dynamic control of magnetic separation without mechanical movement, simplifying the device structure while maintaining separation effectiveness
2Extent of automation
If robotic arms are used to automate magnetic separation, then automation is improved, but device size increases and maintenance costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (magnetic separation, washing, and collection) into a single microfluidic device operated by electromagnetic coils. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate robotic arms and multiple operating equipment, reducing device size and maintenance requirements while achieving full automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines magnetic separation, washing, and product collection operations into one integrated apparatus using a single microfluidic channel and electromagnetic coil system. This merging of operations reduces the overall device complexity and eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and robotic manipulation
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple devices are used for magnetic separation and washing, then separation purity is improved, but time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic separation and washing operations into a single integrated device with a continuous microfluidic channel. Magnetic beads can be separated and then washed sequentially within the same device without manual intervention or device replacement, maintaining separation purity while significantly reducing time and labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation where magnetic beads flow through the microfluidic channel and undergo separation and washing in sequence without interruption. The electromagnetic coils can be activated in different regions continuously, eliminating the need to stop for manual operations or device changes, thus reducing time loss while maintaining purification quality
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 apparatus enables efficient, automated magnetic separation with high-throughput flow and improved reaction efficiency, reducing device size and maintenance costs while maintaining control over magnetic beads, facilitating complete reactions and accurate data collection.
Implementation Method 1
the small annular magnetic coils can generate a uniform electric field or a gradient electric field... and then magnetic beads are controlled to move in a micro-pipe
Implementation Method 2
a coil array including several annular magnetic coils arranged in parallel, the micro-pipe penetrating internal cavities of the annular magnetic coils... a drive circuit board electrically connected to the coil array
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an integrated magnetic separation apparatus. The integrated magnetic separation apparatus includes: a micro-pipe, which is a horizontally arranged linear hollow pipe, and includes a first liquid inlet, a second liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet and a second liquid outlet, the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet being respectively arranged at two ends of the micro-pipe; a coil array, which includes several annular magnetic coils arranged in parallel, the micro-pipe penetrating internal cavities of the annular magnetic coils, and the annular magnetic coils being arranged at intervals on the outer side of the micro-pipe; and a drive circuit board, which is electrically connected to the coil array, and is used for controlling an electric current of the coil array. In the present disclosure, by means of controlling the annular magnetic coils, after being powered on, the small annular magnetic coils can generate a uniform electric field or a gradient electric field without needing to be subjected to mechanical displacement or rotation, and then magnetic beads are controlled to move in the micro-pipe, thereby realizing reactions and washing.