Catheter Magnetic Separation for Particle Capture Without Flow Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid transport systems, particularly in medical catheters, face challenges in separating magnetic particles without inhibiting fluid flow, especially when dealing with aggressive fluids or small fluid quantities, as conventional filters increase resistance and are unsuitable for saline solutions.

Innovation Solution

A catheter device with a rotating shaft made of magnetic material and a separating device featuring a ring body with a magnet body downstream of the shaft exit, using a magnetically permeable solid matter layer to capture magnetic particles without blocking the fluid flow, and a valve system for controlling fluid direction and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical filters (woven fabrics) are used to filter particles from fluid flow, then particle removal is achieved, but flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle contaminationVSAvoidfluid flow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical filtration systems with a magnetic field-based separation system. Magnets are positioned to create magnetic field lines that capture magnetic particles without physical contact, eliminating the flow resistance associated with woven fabric filters while maintaining particle removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic field lines as an intermediary between the fluid flow and particle capture mechanism. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that attracts and holds magnetic particles without requiring physical barriers that would obstruct fluid flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If membrane filters are used to separate particles, then particle removal is effective, but conduit resistance becomes too high and device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle contaminationVSAvoidfilter size and resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes membrane filter systems with a magnetic separation system using positioned magnets and magnetic field lines. This eliminates the need for large, high-resistance membrane structures while achieving effective particle removal through magnetic attraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the separation mechanism from physical filtration (membrane pores) to magnetic field interaction. By altering the fundamental parameter of particle capture from size-based filtration to magnetic property-based attraction, the system achieves separation without the size and resistance constraints of membrane filters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If magnetic filters are used to hold back magnetic particles, then particle capture is achieved, but they are too large for low flow rates and unsuitable for aggressive fluids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic particle contaminationVSAvoidcompatibility with low flow rates and aggressive fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies magnetic field lines locally at specific positions within the fluid path rather than using a large-scale magnetic filter. Magnets are strategically positioned to create localized magnetic fields that capture particles only where needed, enabling compatibility with small flow rates and aggressive fluids without requiring large filter structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local 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

Effectively captures magnetic particles without obstructing fluid flow, protecting sensitive functional elements from wear debris, even in aggressive environments, and allowing for easy removal and reuse of the separating device.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet body with regard to a flow direction of a fluid through the catheter arranged downstream of a location, at which the shaft exits out of the catheter surrounding it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12472342B2Catheter device comprising a separating device for retaining magnetic particles contained in a fluid and protection device for a functional element

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 ECP ENTWICKLUNGSGMBH

AI summary

A catheter device having a catheter (24) in which a rotating shaft (25) which is made at least partially from a magnetic material is arranged, and a separating device which contains a housing (27) surrounding the rotating shaft and having a cavity containing a magnetic body (13′), the magnetic body being arranged downstream from a point at which the shaft (25) exits the catheter (24) which it surrounds with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid through the catheter.