Integrated Sample Processing Apparatus with Movable Heater and Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for processing samples require separate stations for heating, shaking, and magnetic-based separation, leading to excessive space usage, time-consuming manual handling, and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing apparatus that integrates heating, orbital shaking, and magnetic beads separation into a single station, with a staging system allowing heater elements and magnets to move sequentially along columns of sample containers, applying heat and magnetic fields simultaneously while minimizing space and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three separate stations (heater, shaker, magnetic separation device) are used for sample processing, then each function can be performed independently and reliably, but the equipment occupies excessive workbench space and requires manual sample handling between stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heater block, orbital shaker mechanism, and magnetic separation device into a single integrated apparatus. The heater block serves as the base for both heating samples and supporting the orbital shaker mechanism above it, while magnets are positioned within the heater block to enable magnetic separation. This merging of three separate stations into one integrated system reduces workbench space occupancy while maintaining the functional reliability of each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater block performs multiple functions: it provides thermal heating to samples, serves as the structural base for the orbital shaker mechanism, and houses magnets for magnetic separation. The orbital shaker mechanism simultaneously provides both orbital shaking motion and vertical shaking motion. This multi-functionality allows a single apparatus to replace three separate stations, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining functional capabilities.
2Reliability
If three separate stations are used for heating, shaking, and magnetic separation, then each process step can be performed with dedicated equipment, but manual handling and transport of samples between stations is time-consuming and creates contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the heater block, orbital shaker, and magnetic separation device into a single apparatus, samples remain in one location throughout the entire processing workflow. The sample container is heated by the heater block, shaken by the orbital shaker mechanism, and subjected to magnetic separation by magnets positioned within the same apparatus, eliminating the need for manual transport between separate stations and thereby reducing processing time and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The orbital shaker mechanism is designed to be movable relative to the heater block, allowing it to be positioned in different locations above the sample container. This dynamic positioning capability enables the shaker to perform orbital shaking, vertical shaking, and magnetic separation operations sequentially without requiring sample removal from the apparatus, thereby maintaining process reliability while reducing time loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate stations are used for heating, shaking, and magnetic separation, then equipment design can be simplified for each individual function, but the overall system complexity increases due to multiple independent components and their interconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate stations into one integrated apparatus, which reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple independent components and their interconnections. The heater block serves as a common structural element that supports both the orbital shaker mechanism and houses magnets for magnetic separation. This integration simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of individual components through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater block is designed to perform multiple functions: providing thermal heating, serving as the structural base for the orbital shaker, and housing magnets for magnetic separation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture for each functional element through standardized design approaches.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling and transport of samples between separate stations is required, then flexibility in operating each station independently is maintained, but contamination risk increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating heating, shaking, and magnetic separation functions into a single apparatus, samples can undergo multiple processing steps sequentially without removal, thereby increasing throughput. The operational flexibility is maintained through the ability to perform different operations in different sequences and to selectively activate individual functions as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable orbital shaker mechanism provides operational flexibility by allowing different shaking patterns (orbital, vertical, or both) to be applied to samples remaining in the same location. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different processing requirements while maintaining high throughput by eliminating sample transport between stations.
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 integrated approach reduces the footprint of equipment, decreases processing time, and minimizes contamination risks by eliminating the need for manual sample transport between stations, enhancing throughput and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heater elements disposed on the second stage and linearly positioned along a third axis orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of magnets disposed on the second stage and linearly positioned along the third axis... the magnets are positioned adjacent to the heater elements such that each magnet is spaced from a respective one of the heater elements along the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
Samples in an array of containers are processed by mounting the containers on a sample stage, moving magnets into proximity with bottoms of the containers of a first column of containers to apply a magnetic field, moving the magnets into proximity with bottoms of the containers of a second column, and moving heater elements into proximity with the container bottoms of the first column. While the magnetic field is applied to the containers of the second column, heat energy may be applied to the containers of the first column. The process may be repeated for additional columns. The containers may also be shaken to agitate the samples. A single apparatus may perform heating, shaking, and magnetic field application, without needing to transport the containers to different stations.