Magnetic Separation Device With Wire Clip Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for washing magnetic microspheres, such as automated plate washers and handheld pipettors, are either prohibitively expensive or time-consuming, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective manual washing procedure for magnetic bead assays.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic separation device with a retention mechanism using wire clips to securely hold a well plate to a magnetic base, allowing for quick and forceful inversion to evacuate non-magnetic material while retaining magnetic particles, thereby simplifying the manual washing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated plate washers are used for washing magnetic microspheres, then washing efficiency is improved, but device cost increases prohibitively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable well plates with integrated magnetic separation capabilities, eliminating the need for expensive automated plate washers. The well plates are designed to be single-use, combining the washing and separation functions in a disposable format that is far cheaper than automated equipment while maintaining high washing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic separation device integrates multiple functions into a single system: sample holding, magnetic separation, and washing evacuation. The well plate combined with the magnetic separation plate performs what traditionally required separate automated washing equipment, reducing device cost while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If handheld pipettors are used for washing magnetic microspheres, then device cost is reduced, but time consumption increases prohibitively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the well plate with a magnetic separation plate that has integrated evacuation channels. This merging of functions allows rapid evacuation of liquid through the magnetic separation plate's channel system, achieving fast washing without the time-consuming manual pipetting process, while keeping device costs low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic separation plate incorporates a channel system that utilizes fluid dynamics and pressure differential to enable rapid evacuation of liquid. This hydraulic/pneumatic mechanism allows quick washing by forcing liquid through channels, dramatically reducing time consumption compared to manual pipetting while maintaining simplicity and low cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of manufacture

If manual evacuation methods are used, then device cost is reduced, but separation effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoidseparation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic separation plate acts as an intermediary between the well plate and the evacuation system. It provides a structured channel system that guides liquid flow and enhances the effectiveness of manual evacuation by creating controlled pathways, ensuring complete and effective separation without requiring expensive automated equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex automated mechanical washing systems with a simpler magnetic field-based separation mechanism combined with gravity-driven liquid flow through channels. The magnetic field selectively retains magnetic microspheres while liquid flows through channels, achieving effective separation through physical principles rather than complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method reduces the time and cost associated with washing magnetic microspheres, providing a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional washing techniques by enabling rapid and effective separation of non-magnetic material from magnetic particles.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic base comprising a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Magnetic microspheres are typically composed of superparamagnetic material embedded within a plastic bead

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8747677B2Magnetic separation device

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 LUMINEX CORP

AI summary

A magnetic separation device comprising a magnetic base and a retention mechanism, as well as a method of evacuating liquid from a well plate containing liquid and magnetic particles, are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the retention mechanism comprises one or more wire clips. In certain embodiments, the magnetic base comprises apertures configured to receive the wire clips. The retention mechanism can be configured to secure a well plate to the magnetic base so that a user may evacuate liquid from a well plate containing liquid and magnetic particles. In certain embodiments, the method comprises inverting the magnetic separation device and well plate. In particular embodiments, the method comprises rapidly and forcefully inverting magnetic separation device and well plate.