Magnetic Field Applying Unit for Biological Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological sample processing apparatuses face challenges in easily applying and releasing magnetic fields, which complicates the separation of target samples and can lead to contamination when opening multi-well plates.
Innovation Solution
A biological sample processing apparatus with a magnetic field applying unit and a heating unit positioned below the multi-well plate, allowing for convenient separation of target samples and separate processing steps, along with a punching unit to prevent contamination by selectively opening the multi-well plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnetic field applying unit is disposed above the multi-well plate, then the magnetic field can be applied to the sample, but the separation process becomes complicated and contamination may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field applying unit is inverted from the conventional position above the multi-well plate to below the multi-well plate. This inversion simplifies the separation process by allowing magnetic particles to be attracted downward to a collection area, and prevents contamination by avoiding contact with the sealing portion during the separation operation.
2Area of stationary object
If the heating unit is disposed close to the magnetic field applying unit, then space is saved, but the analysis time increases due to cooling wait time
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit and magnetic field applying unit are segmented into separate spatial zones below the multi-well plate. The heating unit is positioned in a first region while the magnetic field applying unit is positioned in a second region, allowing both units to operate simultaneously without thermal interference, thus reducing analysis time while maintaining compact apparatus design.
3Ease of operation
If the pipette punches the sealing portion to open the multi-well plate, then access to samples is enabled, but contamination may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The function of opening the multi-well plate is extracted from the pipette and assigned to a dedicated punching unit. This separation allows the pipette to focus on sample handling without the contamination risk of punching, while the specialized punching unit can open plates using a controlled mechanism that minimizes contamination risk.
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 configuration simplifies the separation process, reduces contamination risks, and allows for more flexible processing of biological samples by enabling simultaneous magnetic field application and heating without waiting for cooling, thereby shortening analysis time and increasing processing flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic field applying unit is disposed below the multi-well plate for applying a magnetic field to a well of the multi-well plate
Implementation Method 2
The heating unit is disposed below the multi-well plate so as to be spaced apart from the magnetic field applying unit, for heating a well of the multi-well plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A biological sample processing apparatus capable of facilitating application and release of a magnetic field is disclosed. The biological sample processing apparatus includes a pipette block, a pipette block forward and backward transfer unit, a pipette block top and bottom transfer unit, a magnetic field applying unit, and a heating unit. The pipette block are detachably coupled with a plurality of pipettes for sucking or discharging a biological sample in a multi-well plate in which wells are arranged in a matrix shape along row and column directions. The pipette block forward and backward transfer unit moves the pipette block along a forward and backward direction along a process direction. The pipette block top and bottom transfer unit moves the pipette block along a vertical direction. The magnetic field applying unit is disposed below the multi-well plate for applying a magnetic field to a well of the multi-well plate. The heating unit is disposed below the multi-well plate so as to be spaced apart from the magnetic field applying unit, for heating a well of the multi-well plate.