Magnetic Collection Unit with Depth-Wise Movable Magnet for Particle Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic collection methods in examination devices reduce the dispersibility of magnetic particles, leading to reduced washing effectiveness and reactivity with reagents, which can cause measurement errors.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic collection unit that generates a magnetic field across the entire depth of a reaction cell using a magnet with a length equal to or longer than the cell's depth and moves the magnet along the cell's depth direction to collect magnetic particles on the inner wall surface, improving dispersibility and reducing measurement errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If magnetic particles are collected on the inner wall surface of the reaction cell using a magnet, then the collection time is shortened, but the dispersibility of magnetic particles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection timeVSAvoiddispersibility of magnetic particles

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to move along the depth direction of the reaction cell. This dynamic positioning enables the magnet to collect magnetic particles efficiently while allowing subsequent displacement to restore particle dispersibility, resolving the contradiction between rapid collection and maintaining dispersibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reaction cell depth is segmented into multiple regions by moving the magnet to different positions along the depth direction. This segmentation allows the magnet to collect particles from different depths at different times, improving overall collection efficiency while maintaining the ability to disperse particles by repositioning the magnet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If magnetic particles are collected on the inner wall surface of the reaction cell, then the collection speed is increased, but the washing effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection speedVSAvoidwashing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable magnet design allows rapid collection of magnetic particles at high speed, but also enables subsequent repositioning to restore particle dispersibility. This dynamic capability ensures that particles remain dispersed enough for effective washing, resolving the contradiction between high collection speed and washing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary collection of magnetic particles at high speed using the movable magnet, then subsequently repositions the magnet to restore dispersibility before washing. This preliminary action separates the collection function from the washing function, allowing both high productivity and effective washing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If magnetic particles are collected on the inner wall surface of the reaction cell, then the collection efficiency is improved, but the reactivity with reagents deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoidreactivity with reagents

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable magnet enables efficient collection of magnetic particles while allowing subsequent displacement to restore particle dispersibility. This dynamic positioning ensures particles remain accessible and reactive with reagents, resolving the contradiction between collection efficiency and reactivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances the dispersibility of magnetic particles, improving washing effectiveness and reducing measurement errors in examination devices.

Implementation Method 1

generates a magnetic field in an inside of a reaction cell accommodating a suspension containing the magnetic particles and magnetically collects the magnetic particles in the suspension on an inner wall surface of the reaction cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

magnetically collects the magnetic particles in the suspension on an inner wall surface of the reaction cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic collection: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250249466A1Magnetic collection unit and examination device

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A magnetic collection unit which, during a washing treatment of separating a labeling substance bound to an examination target substance and a labeling substance not bound to the examination target substance in an, generates a magnetic field in an inside of a reaction cell and magnetically collects the magnetic particles in the suspension on an inner wall surface of the reaction cell, the magnetic collection unit including a magnetic field generation unit that includes a magnet having a length at least equal to or longer than a distance from a liquid surface of the suspension in the reaction cell to a bottom surface of the reaction cell and generating a magnetic field across a range from the liquid surface to the bottom surface; and a moving mechanism that moves the magnetic field generation unit in a depth direction from the liquid surface toward the bottom surface.