Magnet Array Mixing via Periodic Magnetic Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-throughput processes using arrays of vessels with moving magnets, adjacent magnets often become magnetically aligned due to overlapping magnetic fields, leading to decreased or ceased movement, which interferes with processes like mixing and biomolecule fragmentation in microtiter plates.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an array of vessels with coils generating a magnetic field, where a fluctuating electric current triggers magnet movement and intermittent magnetic pulses are applied to prevent magnetic alignment between adjacent magnets, ensuring continuous motion and effective mixing or fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If magnets are placed in adjacent vessels in close spatial proximity for high-throughput processing, then productivity is improved, but magnetic field interference causes magnets to align and movement ceases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic magnetic pulses to the coil at regular intervals to continuously disrupt magnetic alignment between adjacent magnets. This periodic action ensures that magnets remain in constant motion rather than becoming stationary due to alignment, thereby maintaining reliable operation in high-throughput configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by applying intermittent pulses of specific duration and intensity. These parameter changes create temporary magnetic forces that overcome the aligning tendency of adjacent magnets, allowing continuous motion to be maintained even when magnets are in close proximity
2Device complexity
If magnets are placed in close proximity in adjacent vessels, then device complexity is reduced, but magnetic alignment prevents effective mixing and fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful magnetic alignment effect into a beneficial control mechanism. By intentionally applying periodic magnetic pulses, the system uses the same magnetic field that causes alignment to instead create controlled disruption, transforming the interference problem into a useful tool for maintaining magnet motion and achieving effective mixing and fragmentation
3Reliability
If intermittent magnetic pulses are applied to prevent alignment, then magnet motion is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous energy application, the system uses periodic pulses with specific timing and duration. This allows the coil to be energized only when needed to disrupt alignment, rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the reliability of magnet motion
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic pulses are applied with just sufficient intensity and duration to disrupt alignment and restore motion, rather than using excessive continuous force. This partial action approach provides the minimum necessary energy input to maintain reliable operation without wasteful over-energizing
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
The method ensures continuous and effective motion of magnets within vessels, preventing magnetic interference and maintaining process efficiency in high-throughput applications by breaking magnetic alignment and maintaining optimal motion patterns.
Implementation Method 1
one or more coils in sufficient proximity of at least two of said vessels such that an electric current flowing through said coil(s) exposes the interior of said vessels to a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
delivering a fluctuating or oscillating electric current to said coil(s) to trigger movement of the first permanent magnets
Implementation Method 3
intermittently applying a magnetic pulse sufficient to render first permanent magnets in nearby vessels not magnetically aligned with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of operating a device, said device comprising an array of vessels, one or more coils in sufficient proximity of at least two of said vessels such that an electric current flowing through said coil(s) exposes the interior of said vessels to a magnetic field, said at least two vessels each containing at least one first permanent magnet, and a power source connected to said coil(s), said method comprising: (a) delivering a fluctuating or oscillating electric current to said coil(s) to trigger movement of the first permanent magnets; and (b) intermittently applying a magnetic pulse sufficient to render first permanent magnets in nearby vessels not magnetically aligned with each other.