Magnetic Particle Capture Device with Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for capturing and releasing magnetically susceptible particles are not efficient, requiring complex mechanisms and additional tools like pipettes or vacuums for operation.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a retraction mechanism allowing a magnet to be positioned in three distinct states (retracted, protracted, and hyper-protracted) for single-handed operation, using a disposable sleeve for particle capture and release without the need for separate ejection mechanisms or additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex mechanism with multiple components is used for capturing and releasing particles, then the device can achieve particle manipulation functions, but the device complexity increases and requires additional tools like pipettes or vacuums
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnet, retraction mechanism, and particle capture/release functions into a single integrated device. The magnet is coupled to a retraction mechanism that allows it to be moved between retracted and protracted positions, eliminating the need for separate pipettes or vacuum systems. The housing integrates all components, creating a unified device that performs multiple functions through a single mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the magnet's own movement between positions to achieve particle capture and release without requiring external tools. The retraction mechanism allows the magnet to self-position within the housing, and the magnet itself performs the particle manipulation function by being moved to different locations, making the system self-sufficient.
2Productivity
If the magnet is positioned at multiple predetermined distances from the housing, then particle capture and release efficiency is improved, but the retraction mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction mechanism enables the magnet to dynamically position itself at three predetermined distances from the distal end of the housing. This dynamic positioning capability allows the magnet to move between retracted, intermediate, and protracted positions, optimizing particle capture and release efficiency at each position while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
3Reliability
If a disposable sleeve is used for particle capture, then contamination is reduced, but the mechanism for sleeve ejection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sleeve ejection function from a separate mechanism and integrates it into the magnet's positioning system. The magnet, when moved to the protracted position, naturally ejects the disposable sleeve without requiring a dedicated ejection mechanism. This approach maintains contamination control through disposable sleeves while simplifying the overall device structure.
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
Facilitates easy capture and release of magnetically susceptible particles with single-digit operation, eliminating the need for pipettes or vacuums and simplifying the design by enabling the magnet to eject the sleeve in the hyper-protracted position.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent, axially magnetized, cylindrical magnet disposed in the housing and coupled to the retraction mechanism, wherein a distal end of the magnet extends from the distal end of the housing
Implementation Method 2
the retraction mechanism is configured to position the distal end of the magnet at one of a first, second or third predetermined distance from the distal end of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A device for capturing and releasing magnetically susceptible particles includes a housing and a retraction mechanism. A permanent axially magnetized cylindrical magnet is coupled to the retraction mechanism and a distal end of the magnet extends from a distal end of the housing. The retraction mechanism is configured to position the distal end of the magnet at one of three different predetermined distances from the distal end of the housing: retracted, protracted and hyper-protracted. A sleeve is provided over the housing distal end and when the magnet is in the protracted position, magnetically susceptible particles are gathered, when in the retracted position, magnetically susceptible particles are released and the sleeve is ejected when the magnet is positioned at a point between the protracted and the hyper-protracted position.