Electromagnetic Coil Assembly for Fluid Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mixing and separating fluids using magnetic particles are inefficient, leading to reduced mixing effectiveness, sample volume loss, and limited parallel processing capabilities, particularly due to the use of closed microfluidic systems and fixed-field magnets that cause magnetic particles to aggregate and confine near container walls.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic system with a plurality of electromagnets arranged around open fluid containers allows for the generation of controlled magnetic field gradients, enabling magnetic particles to rotate, spin, and move laterally within the fluid for efficient mixing and target analyte capture, while allowing for open container processing and variable sample volumes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed-field magnets are used in closed microfluidic systems, then magnetic particles can be confined near container walls, but mixing effectiveness is reduced and sample volume loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic particle confinementVSAvoidmixing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically controlled electromagnetic fields that can be turned on and off, allowing the magnetic particles to be confined when needed and freed for mixing when needed. The electromagnetic field strength and distribution are time-dependent, enabling transition between confinement and mixing modes to resolve the contradiction between particle confinement and mixing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic switching of electromagnetic fields to create cycles of confinement and mixing. By alternating between field-on (for confinement) and field-off (for mixing) periods, the system achieves both reliable particle confinement and effective mixing over time, resolving the trade-off between these two functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If closed microfluidic systems are used, then processing can be contained, but parallel processing capabilities are limited and sample volume is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample containmentVSAvoidparallel processing capabilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processing system into multiple independent electromagnetic processing zones that can operate simultaneously. Each zone can process separate samples in parallel while maintaining containment through the electromagnetic field boundaries, enabling both sample containment and parallel processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If traditional electromagnetic mixing methods are used, then magnetic particles can be agitated, but processing time is long and automation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic particle agitationVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical mixing mechanisms with electromagnetic field-based particle agitation. By using electromagnetic forces to manipulate magnetic particles rather than mechanical stirrers or pumps, the system achieves efficient mixing with faster processing times and better automation compatibility, reducing processing time while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic particle loss, and enables parallel processing of multiple samples, significantly reducing processing time and increasing automation capabilities compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

generation of controlled magnetic field gradients, enabling magnetic particles to rotate, spin, and move laterally within the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field gradient: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

magnetic particles can be influenced to rotate, spin, and/or move laterally side-to-side within the fluid so as to rapidly and efficiently mix the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic stirring: Electromagnetic Stirring

Data Source

PatentUS12135969B2Electromagnetic coil assembly structure for processing fluids and methods for making same

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 DH TECH DEVMENT PTE

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.