Magnetic Bead Collection Lid Assembly for Sample Tubes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic bead separation techniques require electrical power and are cumbersome, making them unsuitable for field locations or rapid, low-cost extraction of targeted biomolecules without specialized training or equipment.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly for sample tubes that includes a magnet-bearing part and a closure part with a bead-collecting platform, allowing for magnetic bead collection and release without electricity, featuring a press-fit or snap-fit attachment and a magnet-receiving cavity for easy magnet insertion and removal, facilitating quick and simple use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centrifuge is used for magnetic bead separation, then separation effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to requirement of electrical power and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the magnetic separation function from the centrifugation function. A small removable magnet is placed inside the lid adapter, allowing magnetic bead separation to occur independently of centrifugation. This enables the separation function to be performed without electrical power or specialized equipment while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid adapter serves as an intermediary component that bridges the sample tube and the magnetic bead collection process. By integrating a magnet into the lid adapter, the device mediates the separation process directly at the tube level, eliminating the need for external centrifugation equipment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If screw threads are used to attach lid components, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the screw thread mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit or press-fit mechanism. The lid adapter features a frustoconical outer surface that engages with a complementary surface on the tube lid, providing stable attachment through friction and geometric interlocking rather than threaded fastening. This substitution dramatically reduces assembly time and complexity while maintaining structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detachable components are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the magnet, the adapter structure, and the lid components into a single integrated assembly that attaches to the sample tube as one unit. The small removable magnet is embedded within the lid adapter, combining magnetic separation functionality with the structural adapter in one component. This merging reduces the number of separate detachable parts while maintaining adaptability for different sample tube types.
4Productivity
If rapid bead transfer is performed, then productivity is improved, but risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the magnetic beads from the source tube using the magnetic field in the lid adapter, holding them against the inner wall of the adapter. The beads remain contained within the adapter structure during transfer, isolated from the external environment. This extraction and containment approach enables rapid transfer while minimizing exposure to contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid adapter provides a protected intermediate environment for the magnetic beads during transfer. The beads are held against the inner wall of the adapter, shielded from external contaminants before final delivery to the destination tube. This beforehand protection reduces contamination risk inherent in rapid open transfers.
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
Enables rapid, low-cost, and electricity-free extraction of targeted biomolecules, suitable for field locations, with minimal training required, and reduces the risk of contamination through easy handling and drying of magnetic beads.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet is capable of holding magnetic beads against the bead-collecting surface
Implementation Method 2
when the magnet is not present within the magnet-receiving cavity, the lid assembly is incapable of magnetically holding magnetic beads against the bead-collecting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A lid assembly for a sample tube, for collecting magnetic beads from the sample tube and subsequently releasing said beads, the lid assembly comprising: a closure part including means for removably attaching the closure part to the opening of the sample tube, to close the sample tube, and a bead-collecting platform arranged to locate within or above the opening of the sample tube when the closure part is attached to the sample tube, wherein the bead-collecting platform has a bead-collecting surface on one side, for coming into contact with liquid in the sample tube during use, and a magnet-receiving cavity on the other side, behind the bead-collecting surface; and a magnet-bearing part comprising a magnet, wherein the magnet is removably insertable into the magnet-receiving cavity, towards the bead-collecting surface, such that, when the magnet is present within the magnet-receiving cavity, the magnet is capable of holding magnetic beads against the bead-collecting surface, and when the magnet is not present within the magnet-receiving cavity, the lid assembly is incapable of magnetically holding magnetic beads against the bead-collecting surface. Also provided is a method of using such apparatus to collect magnetic beads from a liquid within a sample tube, and associated kits and accessories.