Magnetic Particle Sensor with Reference Region Alignment Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies for detecting magnetic particles in sample chambers face challenges in accuracy and reliability due to misalignment between magnetic fields and target regions, leading to underestimation of particle presence and potential clustering effects that affect measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device and method that utilize a magnetic field generator to guide magnetic particles to a contact surface, incorporating a sensor unit for detection and an evaluation unit to determine an auxiliary parameter related to particle movement and alignment, independent of binding processes, using reference regions to verify correct particle guidance and account for clustering and viscosity effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic particles are guided towards the contact surface using a magnetic field, then detection sensitivity is improved, but misalignment between magnetic field and target region occurs leading to underestimation of particle presence
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is divided into multiple sub-regions: a target region where magnetic particles are guided to collect, and at least one reference region positioned outside the magnetic field reach. This segmentation allows independent detection and evaluation of particle distribution, enabling verification of alignment and correction of measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit receives detection signals from both the target region and reference region, compares them to determine an auxiliary parameter related to particle distribution and alignment, and uses this feedback to correct the measurement results. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate detection by compensating for misalignment effects.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic particles are concentrated in the target region, then detection signal is enhanced, but clustering effects occur that affect measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the detection area into target and reference regions, the system can distinguish between particles that are properly concentrated in the target region versus particles that are clustered due to magnetic field effects. The reference region serves as a control to identify and correct clustering artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference region acts as an intermediary element that provides background information about particle distribution and clustering effects. This intermediary data allows the evaluation unit to separate true signal from artifacts caused by magnetic field-induced clustering.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic particles are guided to the contact surface, then detection capability is improved, but viscosity effects and particle movement variability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit continuously monitors detection signals from both regions and uses the reference region data as feedback to assess particle movement variability and viscosity effects. This feedback allows for real-time correction and normalization of measurement results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines an auxiliary parameter from the detection signals that characterizes particle movement behavior and viscosity effects. By changing the approach to include this auxiliary parameter in the evaluation, the system compensates for variability in particle arrival and maintains measurement reliability.
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
The solution enhances measurement accuracy by verifying correct particle alignment, correcting for clustering and viscosity impacts, and providing valuable background information to improve the reliability of magnetic particle detection results.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field within the sample chamber, wherein said magnetic field shall guide magnetic particles in its reach towards the contact surface
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field will typically have a nonzero gradient that allows to exert magnetic forces on magnetic (dipole) particles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor device (100) and a method for the detection of magnetic particles (1) in a sample chamber (2) with a contact surface (11). The sensor device (100) comprises a sensor unit (120, 130) for detecting magnetic particles (1) in a target region (TR) and/or in at least one reference region on the contact surface. Moreover, it comprises a magnetic field generator (140) for generating a magnetic field that shall guide magnetic particles to the contact surface. With the help of these components, an “auxiliary parameter” is determined that is related to the magnetic particles (1) and/or their movement but that is independent of binding processes taking place in the target region between magnetic particles and the contact surface. The auxiliary parameter may for example be related to the degree of mismatch between the positions reached by the magnetic particles (1) under the influence of a magnetic field and the target region (TR). The evaluation results can be used to validate and/or correct the measurements obtained in the target region (TR).