Electromagnetic Coil Assembly for Fluid Mixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing fluids using magnetic particles are limited by inefficient mixing, sample volume constraints, and high sample and particle loss, particularly in microfluidic systems, which hinder parallel processing and automation.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic system that uses a two-dimensional array of electromagnets around open fluid containers to agitate magnetic particles, allowing for rapid and homogeneous mixing and processing of various fluid volumes without the need for closed microfluidic systems, enabling direct addition and removal of samples and reagents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic particles are used in microfluidic systems for fluid processing, then mixing and separation can be achieved, but mixing efficiency is insufficient and sample/particle loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid processing function into multiple independent electromagnetic coil assemblies arranged in arrays, with each assembly handling specific mixing or separation tasks. This segmentation allows optimized magnetic field gradients in each zone, improving mixing efficiency while containing particle loss within modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical microfluidic pumping and mixing systems with electromagnetic actuation of magnetic particles. This substitution eliminates mechanical constraints and sample loss associated with microfluidic channels, enabling more efficient mixing through controlled magnetic particle agitation while reducing sample retention and particle loss.
2Productivity
If conventional LC or HPLC techniques are used for sample separation, then separation can be achieved, but processing time is long or equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical HPLC pumping and separation systems with electromagnetic field-based particle manipulation. By using electromagnetic coils to control magnetic particles for separation, the system achieves fast processing speeds without requiring high-pressure pumps, complex column systems, or specialized HPLC equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental separation parameter from pressure-driven flow (HPLC) to magnetic field-driven particle manipulation. This parameter change enables rapid separation by controlling magnetic particle movement through programmable electromagnetic fields, achieving high productivity with simpler equipment.
3Productivity
If magnetic particles are confined in microfluidic systems, then fluid processing can be performed, but parallel processing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs arrays of multiple electromagnetic coil assemblies that can be independently controlled, enabling parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously. Each coil assembly acts as an independent processing unit, and the modular architecture allows scaling to handle increasing numbers of samples in parallel while maintaining flexibility for different sample volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic coil assembly serves multiple functions: mixing, separation, and particle manipulation. The system can process various sample volumes and configurations using the same hardware platform, providing both parallel processing capability and adaptability to different experimental requirements.
4Ease of manufacture
If electromagnetic coil assemblies are designed with fixed structures, then manufacturing can be simplified, but assembly precision and magnetic field uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs electromagnetic coil assemblies with locally optimized structures where coil geometry, winding density, and positioning are tailored to specific functional requirements. This local quality optimization ensures uniform magnetic fields in critical regions while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through modular standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable electrical parameters (current, frequency, pulse duration) to fine-tune magnetic field characteristics after assembly. This parameter flexibility compensates for minor manufacturing variations, maintaining field uniformity without requiring extremely tight mechanical tolerances during assembly.
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 sample and particle loss, and facilitates parallel processing of multiple samples, significantly reducing processing time and enabling automation, as demonstrated by faster protein processing times and increased sample contact rates.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic coil assembly useful for processing a fluid sample by manipulating magnetic particles disposed within the fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
manipulating magnetic particles disposed within the fluid sample
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
Electromagnetic systems and corresponding methods for assembling the electromagnetic systems are described. The electromagnetic systems can be used in fluid processing systems that include a plurality of fluid containers, each configured to define a fluid chamber that receives a fluid and a plurality of magnetic particles, and a plurality of electromagnets configured to generate a magnetic field within at least one of the plurality of the fluid containers. The fluid processing system can also include a PCB board that supplies the electromagnets with electrical current by establishing an electrical connection between electrical contact terminals included on the PCB board and spring loaded connections included on each electromagnet. A control component controls the electromagnetic field generated by each electromagnet to generate a plurality of magnetic field gradients within the at least one fluid container sufficient to magnetically influence the plurality of magnetic particles within the fluid in each fluid container.