Magnetic Separation Unit With Trench And Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional centrifugal tubes used in magnetic separation methods face limitations in achieving high magnetic field and magnetic field gradients, which hampers the separation efficiency of magnetic cells due to the decrease in magnetic forces with distance from the magnetic source.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic separation unit comprising a non-magnetic member with a trench and a magnetic member with protrusions, combined to form a fluid channel, enhances the extension of the external magnetic field gradient, improving separation efficiency by guiding magnetic flux lines through the channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional centrifugal tubes are used for magnetic separation, then the device structure is simple, but the magnetic field gradient is insufficient leading to low separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a non-magnetic member with a trench structure and a magnetic member with protrusions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-magnetic member with trench acts as an intermediary structure that guides and concentrates magnetic flux lines between the magnetic member and the fluid channel, enhancing the magnetic field gradient without requiring the entire device to be complex.
2Volume of stationary object
If the distance between magnetic source and magnetic materials is increased, then the device capacity is improved, but the magnetic field and magnetic field gradient decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field strength is optimized locally within the fluid channel by using protrusions that concentrate magnetic flux lines precisely where needed, rather than requiring uniformly high fields throughout the entire device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The trench structure extends in the depth direction, creating a three-dimensional magnetic field distribution that maintains high gradients along the fluid flow path while allowing the device to accommodate larger sample volumes.
3Productivity
If high magnetic field gradient is applied to improve separation efficiency, then the separation performance is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic member with protrusions automatically concentrates magnetic flux lines through its geometric configuration, generating high magnetic field gradients without requiring additional active control mechanisms or complex external field generation 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
This configuration significantly enhances the magnetic separation efficiency by maintaining strong magnetic fields within the fluid channel, allowing for effective separation of magnetic substances in bio-samples, as demonstrated by separation efficiencies of up to 98.4% in experimental examples.
Implementation Method 1
a high magnetic field gradient of an external magnetic field can be extended into the magnetic separation unit
Implementation Method 2
separation efficiency of the magnetic cells depends on the magnetic forces acting on the magnetic tags
Implementation Method 3
the protrusion portion of the second member is contained by the trench of the first member
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic separation unit is provided, including a first member made of non-magnetic materials comprising a trench extending within the first member and a second member made of magnetic materials including a protrusion portion protruding over a surface of the second member, wherein the first member connects the second member such that the trench functions as a fluid channel formed between the first and second members, and the protrusion portion of the second member is contained by the trench of the first member.