Magnetic Rack Adapter for Multi-Tube Laboratory Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic rack systems for separating magnetic particles from non-magnetic media are inconvenient to use with standard laboratory equipment, requiring individual handling of reaction tubes for heating, mixing, and separation, leading to inefficient and impractical protocols.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic rack system comprising a holder for multiple tubes, a base with receptacles and magnets, and an adapter that allows simultaneous handling and integration with standard laboratory equipment for convenient manual and semi-automatic processing, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple tubes with shakers, vortexers, and thermomixers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic rack system is designed for magnetic particle separation, then separation effectiveness is improved, but compatibility with standard laboratory equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic rack system is divided into separate functional modules: a holder for sample tubes, a base with magnetizing portions for separation, and an adapter interface for laboratory equipment integration. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function optimally while enabling flexible combination with different equipment types.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with a universal adapter interface that can connect to various standard laboratory equipment including shakers, vortexers, and thermomixers. The holder itself serves multiple functions: holding tubes during separation, interfacing with mixing equipment, and maintaining tube positions throughout different protocol steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual reaction tubes are handled separately for heating and mixing, then equipment compatibility is maintained, but handling time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reaction tubes are held simultaneously in a single holder that can be attached to laboratory equipment. This merging of multiple tubes into one handleable unit allows simultaneous processing during heating, mixing, and separation steps, eliminating the need to repeatedly remove and reposition individual tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is pre-configured with tube positions and adapter interfaces before the protocol begins. Tubes are loaded into the holder in advance, and the holder is pre-adapted to the specific laboratory equipment being used, so that during the protocol execution, no additional setup or repositioning is required.
3Device complexity
If manual handling of tubes is used for magnetic bead protocols, then equipment requirements are simplified, but operational convenience and practicality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The holder acts as an intermediary device between the magnetic rack base and laboratory equipment. It provides a standardized interface that connects the magnetic separation function with the mixing/heating functions of laboratory equipment, enabling automated or semi-automated protocols without requiring complex integrated systems.
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 efficient and convenient handling of magnetic beads by allowing simultaneous processing of multiple tubes, reducing handling steps and improving compatibility with standard laboratory equipment, thus enhancing the practicality of magnetic bead protocols.
Implementation Method 1
an associated array of permanent magnets arranged such that, when an array of reaction vessels is supported in the support means and the apparatus is in use for separating a target reagent from a mixture of reagents in one or more of the reaction vessels, each magnet is positioned so as to be able to exert a magnetic force on an associated reaction vessel or vessels in the array of reaction vessels which magnetic force serves to hold the magnetic support and attached target reagent in a fixed position relative to the magnet
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Magnetic rack system comprising a holder (1) having trough-holes for receiving tubes (3), a base (4) having a plurality of receptacles (5) with at least one magnet (7), wherein trough-holes in the holder are arranged relative to the base such that each tube can be positioned in a respective receptacle in a pre-determined position relative to the magnet, and an adapter (8), wherein the adapter is designed to allow transmission of motion to the tubes (2) positioned in the holder (1).