Magnetic Bar Block Replacement for Multi-Well Plate Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for extracting target materials from biological samples using magnetic particles are limited by the need for manual operation and inability to adapt to different numbers of samples or amounts of material, as they are typically designed for specific multi-well plate formats like 96-well plates, restricting flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a magnetic bar block replacement unit that allows for the selection and mounting of various multi-well plates and corresponding magnetic bar blocks, enabling the use of different numbers of magnetic bars to match the number of wells in the plate, thereby accommodating various sample sizes and amounts within a single apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed magnetic bar block is used for a specific multi-well plate format, then the extraction process is simplified, but the apparatus cannot adapt to different numbers of samples or amounts of material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different multi-well plate formatsVSAvoidcomplexity of magnetic bar block configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic bar block is divided into multiple individual magnetic bars that can be independently arranged and configured. Each magnetic bar corresponds to a well in the multi-well plate, allowing the system to be segmented and reconfigured for different plate formats (e.g., 96-well, 48-well, 24-well plates) by selecting and arranging the appropriate number of magnetic bars.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic bar block transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, adjustable arrangement. The magnetic bars can be positioned, removed, or added based on the specific multi-well plate format being used, enabling the system to adapt flexibly to different numbers of samples and experimental requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Extent of automation

If manual operation is used for magnetic particle extraction, then flexibility is maintained, but automation is limited and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of extraction processVSAvoidextraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic bars are designed to automatically guide and position magnetic particles within each well through magnetic field generation. The system performs self-alignment and self-separation functions, reducing the need for manual intervention in particle manipulation while maintaining high extraction efficiency across multiple samples simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If magnetic particles are used for target material extraction, then selectivity is improved, but manual handling increases contamination risks and material loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction reliabilityVSAvoidcontamination and material loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical handling of magnetic particles is replaced with magnetic field-based manipulation. The magnetic bars generate magnetic fields that automatically attract, guide, and retain magnetic particles within the wells, eliminating the need for manual pipetting and transfer operations that introduce contamination risks and material loss.

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 solution enables efficient extraction of target materials from multiple biological samples using a single apparatus, allowing for flexible use of different multi-well plates and magnetic bar configurations, improving automation and reducing material loss and contamination risks.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic bar (111) configured to be introduced into each well of a multi-well plate so as to be operated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. In general, the permanent magnet is capable of generating a strong magnetic field without emission of heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12012592B2Target material extraction apparatus with replacement of magnetic bar block allowed

Publication Date: 2024.06.18 BIONEER

AI summary

The present invention relates to an extraction apparatus capable of simultaneously extracting target materials from multiple biological samples and, more particularly, to a target material extraction apparatus in which magnetic bar blocks can be replaced according to kinds of multi-well plates to be inserted into a cartridge. When used, the target material extraction apparatus of the present invention is operated in such a manner that among various plates multi-well having different numbers of wells, multi-well plates suitable for a use purpose are loaded into a cartridge within the apparatus and magnetic bar blocks equipped with magnetic bars suitable therefor are selected and loaded. Thus, the apparatus has the advantage of selectively applying various multi-well plates to one installment according to the number of samples from which a target material is extracted or to the amount of the target material to be extracted.