Magnetic Locking Device for Pipetting Tool Particle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for magnetic separation of nucleic acids in molecular biology are complex and laborious, requiring multiple workstations and extensive handling of microplates and solutions to bring magnetic particles into contact with nucleic acids.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic locking device for pipetting tools that allows particles to be continuously blocked and released within the tool, enabling easy and rapid contact with multiple solutions without the need for frequent transfer between containers or workstations, using a lock that transitions between active and passive states to immobilize and release particle clouds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If magnetic particles are moved from container to container and workstation to workstation to contact with solutions, then nucleic acid purification can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple workstations and containers into a single integrated pipetting tool. The magnetic locking device is integrated directly into the pipetting tool, allowing magnetic particles to be locked and unlocked in place within the same device that handles solution exchange. This eliminates the need to transfer particles between separate containers and workstations, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining purification efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipetting tool is segmented into distinct functional zones: a magnetic locking zone for particle immobilization and a solution exchange zone for liquid handling. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous particle locking and solution manipulation without interference, enabling complex purification protocols to be performed within a single simplified device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic particles are continuously transferred between containers, then contact with multiple solutions is achieved, but handling time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking mechanism is activated in advance before solution exchange occurs. By pre-locking the particles in position, the system prepares the particle bed for subsequent solution manipulation. This preliminary action prevents particle displacement during solution exchange and eliminates the need for repeated particle transfers between containers, significantly reducing handling time while maintaining versatility in solution exchange capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If particles are immobilized during solution ejection and sampling, then solution exchange is controlled, but particle mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking device employs dynamic control, allowing the operator to switch between locked and unlocked states as needed. During solution ejection and sampling, the particles are locked to enable precise control. When solution exchange is complete, the lock is released to restore particle mobility. This dynamic adaptability ensures both ease of operation during critical moments and particle versatility when needed.
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
Simplifies the process of bringing magnetic particles into contact with various solutions, reducing complexity and handling requirements while maintaining particle immobilization during solution exchange, thereby enhancing efficiency in nucleic acid extraction and purification.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic locking device for a pipetting tool... comprising at least one lock configured to pass from an active state to a passive state, and vice versa, such that in the active state, the lock is able to block, in service, particles present in the accessory
Implementation Method 2
in the passive state of the lock, the particles are free to move in the accessory... the particles are thus blocked by the locking device, for the time of ejecting a solution and of sampling a new one from it, before being released again by the disengagement of the locking device
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic locking device for a pipetting tool, the device having a plate that is able to be adapted to the pipetting tool, an accessory being intended to be fastened to a fastening end piece that is supported by the plate and/or intended to be supported by the pipetting tool. The device has at least one lock configured to switch from an active state to a passive state, and vice versa, such that, in the active state, the lock is able to block, in service, particles that are present in the accessory, and such that, in the passive state of the lock, the particles are free to move in the accessory.