Segmented Electromagnetic Units for Biosensor Gradient Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic biosensing systems face challenges in designing a magnetic system with a high switchable gradient magnet on one side of the cartridge without mechanical movement, requiring complex geometrical constraints and multiple parts, which complicates alignment and actuation of magnetic labels for efficient biosensing.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two independent electromagnetic units with magnetic cores extending over the cartridge, allowing for parallel arrangement and a slit configuration, enabling magnetic field switching between attraction and repulsion without mechanical movement, combined with an optical window and reader for efficient detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If two magnets are placed on either side of the cartridge to achieve switchable field gradient, then magnetic force switching is improved, but device complexity and geometrical constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic system is segmented into two independent electromagnetic units with separate magnetic cores, allowing independent control of each unit's magnetic polarity. This segmentation enables flexible magnetic field configuration (attractive or repulsive) while maintaining a compact single-sided structure, resolving the contradiction between force effectiveness and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic cores extend vertically out of the upper end of the electromagnetic units, creating a three-dimensional configuration where the cartridge is positioned between the parallel core parts. This dimensional arrangement allows the magnetic field to act directly on the cartridge without requiring magnets on both sides, reducing geometrical constraints while maintaining effective force application
2Force
If mechanical movement is used to switch magnetic field position, then field gradient switching is achieved, but mechanical complexity and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement systems with electromagnetic control. Two independently controllable electromagnetic units can switch magnetic field polarity through electrical control of the magnetic cores, eliminating the need for mechanical movement to reposition magnets. This substitution improves reliability by removing mechanical wear and positioning errors while maintaining effective magnetic field switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field configuration is made dynamically controllable through independent electrical control of the two electromagnetic units. The system can rapidly switch between attractive (N-S) and repulsive (N-N or S-S) configurations by changing the polarity of one unit, providing dynamic magnetic field switching without mechanical movement and improving system reliability and response time
3Manufacturing precision
If cartridge alignment is achieved through complex geometrical constraints, then sensor surface alignment with magnet is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel arrangement of magnetic cores extending over the cartridge height creates a uniform magnetic field region that naturally aligns with the cartridge position. The cartridge placed between the parallel core parts experiences consistent magnetic forces along its length, providing inherent alignment without requiring complex geometrical constraints or precision mechanical positioning features
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic units serve multiple functions: they generate the magnetic field for label manipulation, provide alignment reference through their parallel core structure, and enable both attractive and repulsive force modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining precise alignment capability
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 allows for precise alignment and efficient magnetic field switching, suitable for various detection techniques, including optical and magnetic methods, enabling rapid and reliable biosensing with reduced mechanical complexity and interference, suitable for point-of-care and high-throughput applications.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation of magnetic labels requires a switchable field gradient, for forces toward and forces away from the sensor surface. These forces are needed for up-concentration of labels near to the sensor surface
Implementation Method 2
A focussing optical readout means is arranged above the optical window. Also, the analyte, which means the substance to be detected by the biosensor, can be realized automatically by electronic signal evaluation.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an electromagnetic system for biosensors, in which the system can switch quickly between high magnetic gradients, without the need of movement of mechanical elements. This is realized by two independent electromagnetic units (1, 1', 2, 2') which are separated in the region of the pole shoes over a gap, in which a sample volume is arranged by a cartridge (3), and in which the sensor surfaces of the biosensor are located at one or more inner surfaces of the cartridge (3).