Magnetic Stirrer Design for Tissue Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue processors with magnetic stirrers suffer from low stirring efficiency and inadequate force transmission from the drive unit to the stirring body, leading to inefficient heat distribution and prolonged processing times, especially with higher viscosity media.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic stirrer design featuring two magnets with opposing poles arranged symmetrically to create a strong magnetic field, allowing for high-speed operation and efficient stirring, combined with a symmetrical vanes configuration for uniform liquid agitation, and a secure mounting system to prevent uncontrolled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coated bar magnet is used as a stirring body, then the stirring body can be set in rotation in a contact-free manner, but the force transmission from the drive unit to the stirring body is insufficient and the stirring effect is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnets (at least two) into a single stirring body assembly, merging their magnetic fields to create a stronger overall magnetic interaction with the drive unit. This allows sufficient force transmission while maintaining contact-free rotation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and force transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring body is segmented into multiple magnets arranged in a specific configuration rather than using a single magnet. This segmentation allows the magnetic fields to combine constructively, increasing the total force transmission from the drive unit while preserving the contact-free rotation advantage.
2Ease of operation
If two bar magnets with semi-ring vanes are used, then the stirring body can be set in rotation, but only a small force can be transmitted and sufficient adhesive force is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple magnets are merged into a unified stirring body configuration where their magnetic fields work together to provide sufficient adhesive force. The specific arrangement ensures that the combined magnetic interaction with the drive unit achieves reliable force transmission, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining rotation capability.
3Productivity
If conventional stirring bodies are used, then the tissue samples can be treated with liquids, but the time required to achieve desired heat distribution is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring body is designed with an optimized geometry and magnetic configuration that enables it to achieve effective stirring action more quickly from the start. The symmetrical design and proper vane configuration create immediate and uniform liquid circulation, reducing the time required to achieve homogeneous heat distribution throughout the tissue samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring body employs asymmetrical vane configurations optimized for efficient liquid agitation. The specific arrangement of vanes creates effective turbulence and circulation patterns that accelerate heat distribution, resolving the time loss issue while maintaining productivity.
4Productivity
If the stirring body operates at high speed, then good stirring effect is achieved, but the magnetic adhesion may be lost in higher viscosity media
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple magnets are combined in the stirring body to create a stronger cumulative magnetic field. This enhanced magnetic interaction provides sufficient adhesion force to maintain reliable coupling with the drive unit even at high rotation speeds and in higher viscosity media, resolving the reliability concern while preserving productivity.
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 design achieves a robust stirring effect, ensuring uniform heat distribution and efficient processing even with higher viscosity media, while preventing damage and extending component lifespan through secure integration and material resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The stirring body can be set in rotation in a contact-free manner with the aid of the drive unit. EP 1 186 653 A2 shows a bioreactor with a magnetic stirrer... magnets of the stirring body are arranged around magnets of the drive unit.
Implementation Method 2
One possibility of forming the stirring body is to form the stirring body in the shape of a bar by using a coated bar magnet. In practice, such a stirring body is also referred to as stir bar.
Implementation Method 3
a stirring body for stirring the liquid contained in the process chamber is arranged in the process chamber... The stirring effect and thus also the time which is required to achieve the desired heat distribution is above all dependent on the design of the stirring body.
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue processor for treating tissue samples comprises a process chamber (10) in which the tissue samples can be treated with at least one liquid. The process chamber (10) is formed as a vessel of a magnetic stirrer. In the process chamber, a stirring body (16) for stirring the liquid is arranged, wherein the stirring body (16) comprises at least one magnet (40a, 40b) with the aid of which the stirring body (16) can be set in rotation by a drive unit (20) of the magnetic stirrer, and at least one vane (28a to 28f) by which the liquid to be stirred is stirred when the stirring body (16) rotates. According to a first aspect of the invention, the stirring body (16) has at least three vanes (28a to 28f), according to a second aspect of the invention, the stirring body (16) has at least one further magnet (40b). The north pole (46) of the one magnet (40a) and the south pole (50) of the further magnet (40b) face the drive unit (20).