Electromagnetic Assemblies for Fluid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mixing and separating fluids using magnetic particles are limited by sample volume constraints, sample loss, and magnetic particle loss, and lack efficient mixing and mass transfer, especially for larger volumes and paramagnetic particles.
Innovation Solution
The use of electromagnetic assemblies with individually controlled electromagnets arranged around a fluid container to generate a strong magnetic field, allowing magnetic particles to rotate, spin, and move within the fluid for efficient mixing and analyte capture, enabling processing of various volumes without the limitations of conventional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional magnetic mixing systems are used, then mixing is achieved, but sample volume is limited and magnetic particles are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly is divided into multiple independently controlled electromagnets arranged in arrays around the fluid container. This segmentation allows selective activation of different electromagnet groups to perform different functions (mixing, separation, retrieval) and enables processing of larger sample volumes without magnetic particle loss by providing distributed magnetic field control throughout the container space.
2Productivity
If stronger magnetic fields are used to improve mixing, then mixing efficiency increases, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnets are activated in alternating sequences rather than continuously, with groups of electromagnets being turned on and off in a periodic pattern. This periodic activation achieves effective mixing through repeated magnetic field cycles while significantly reducing average power consumption and heat generation compared to continuous strong magnetic field application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which electromagnets are active at any given time, transitioning between different activation patterns for mixing, separation, and retrieval phases. This dynamic control optimizes power usage by applying strong magnetic fields only when and where needed, rather than maintaining constant high power consumption.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple electromagnets are used to process larger samples, then sample volume capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same array of electromagnets performs multiple functions including mixing, separation, and magnetic particle retrieval by varying the activation patterns. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle larger sample volumes without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the hardware infrastructure serves multiple processing objectives through different control sequences.
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 approach enhances mixing efficiency, reduces power consumption, and improves mass transfer, allowing for faster and more effective sample processing across a range of volumes, including larger samples, with reduced heat generation and improved analyte capture.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of electromagnets being configured to generate a magnetic field within the fluid container disposed on the center axis of the magnetic structure when an electrical signal is applied to each of the electromagnet's electrically-conductive coil
Implementation Method 2
The use of electromagnetic assemblies with individually controlled electromagnets arranged around a fluid container to generate a strong magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the control component is configured to control the magnetic field generated by each of the plurality of electromagnets so as to generate a magnetic field gradient within the at least one fluid container sufficient to magnetically influence the plurality of magnetic particles within the fluid
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for processing fluids are described. In various aspects, a fluid processing system may include a magnetic assembly that includes a plurality of magnetic structures configured to generate a magnetic field gradient within a fluid container. The magnetic structures may be formed as a plurality of electromagnets configured to be individually actuated by a controller. Each of the electromagnets may generate a magnetic field within the fluid container. The electromagnets may be differentially actuated to create a magnetic field gradient within the fluid container to agitate, mix, or otherwise influence magnetic particles disposed within the fluid container. Activation of the electromagnets of an electromagnetic structure may generate a magnetic field gradient that influences magnetic particles in an x-y direction. In addition, activation of the electromagnets of a plurality of electromagnetic structures may generate magnetic field gradients that influences magnetic particles in an x-y direction and z-direction.