Magnetic Separation Support Part for Consumable Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic separation systems for analytes from liquid samples are cumbersome and prone to user errors due to manual loading and unloading of consumables, lacking reliable alignment and surveying mechanisms, which increases the risk of contamination and improper use.
Innovation Solution
A reusable support part device configured to receive a tip holder, a liquid waste container, and a multiwell plate with aligned openings for efficient loading and unloading, ensuring proper alignment and easy transfer of liquid waste during magnetic separation, utilizing a notch and ridge system for secure mounting on the separation station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loading and unloading of consumables is used in magnetic separation systems, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but user errors increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple consumables (multiwell plate, tip holder, liquid waste container) into a single integrated cartridge assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual loading of each component, reducing user errors while maintaining operational flexibility through standardized cartridge replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge serves as an intermediary between the user and the magnetic separation system. By pre-assembling all necessary consumables in a standardized cartridge format, it mediates the interaction between manual operation and automated processing, ensuring proper alignment and reducing handling errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate consumables are loaded manually into the separation station, then adaptability is maintained, but alignment precision and contamination control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the multiwell plate, tip holder, and liquid waste container into a single cartridge with pre-established geometric relationships, the system ensures precise alignment of all components during magnetic separation operations, eliminating alignment errors from manual placement.
Solution Approach 2:
All consumables are pre-assembled in the correct configuration within the cartridge before being loaded into the separation station. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and positioning is achieved automatically, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate consumables are used, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional consumables into a single integrated cartridge assembly, reducing the number of separate components from three (multiwell plate, tip holder, waste container) to one unified unit, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a universal assembly that performs multiple functions simultaneously: sample processing in the multiwell plate, liquid transfer with the tip holder, and waste collection in the integrated waste container. This multi-functionality reduces complexity while maintaining versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If consumables are removed separately after use, then adaptability is maintained, but time consumption and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all consumables into a single cartridge, the system enables simultaneous removal and replacement of all components in one operation, dramatically reducing the time required compared to separate handling of multiple consumables while maintaining replacement flexibility.
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 reliable and error-free loading and unloading of consumables, reducing contamination risks and user errors, while allowing for safe and efficient removal of liquid waste, enhancing the overall magnetic separation process.
Implementation Method 1
separation of analytes from other components present in liquid samples. One such separation system is based on binding of analytes to magnetic or magnetized particles. The bound analyte can be separated from the liquid non-bound components by applying a magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
A device comprising a support part is disclosed. The support part is configured to receive a tip holder, a liquid waste container and a multiwell plate. The multiwell plate comprises at least one row of vessels which comprise a closed bottom and an open top. A method of removing liquid waste during magnetic separation using such a device is also disclosed.