Magnetic Transfer Device for Microparticle Sorting and Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and transferring micro-particles from large liquid volumes to small volumes are inefficient, as they struggle with effective concentration and release, especially in the presence of high viscosity samples, and often require complex and impractical setups.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic transfer method utilizing a ferromagnetic tube to adjust the magnetic field's intensity and alignment, allowing the magnet to be partially or fully inside the tube, which enables efficient collection and concentration of micro-particles on a protective coating with specialized shapes for support and release, facilitating transfer between large and small volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a magnet is used to collect micro-particles from large liquid volumes, then the collection efficiency is improved, but the release and transfer to small volumes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is made movable within the protective coating, allowing it to be dynamically positioned between inside and outside the coating. This enables the operator to switch between collection mode (magnet outside) and release/transfer mode (magnet inside), resolving the contradiction between collection efficiency and ease of transfer
Solution Approach 2:
A protective coating is introduced as an intermediary element between the magnet and the micro-particles. The coating allows the magnet to manipulate particles while providing a controlled interface for release and transfer to different volumes, facilitating both efficient collection and easy transfer
2Reliability
If the magnetic field intensity is increased to improve collection from viscous samples, then the collection effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of magnetic field control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field intensity is controlled by changing the position of the magnet relative to the protective coating rather than using complex control systems. By moving the magnet between inside and outside positions, the field intensity is naturally adjusted to optimize collection from viscous samples while maintaining simple control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural magnetic properties of the materials and the geometric arrangement of the magnet and coating to automatically achieve effective collection. The magnet's position itself serves as the control mechanism, eliminating the need for additional complex field control apparatus
3Ease of operation
If a protective coating is added to the magnet to enable particle manipulation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thin protective coating is used instead of complex rigid structures. The coating's simplicity and flexibility provide the necessary particle manipulation capability while adding minimal structural complexity to the device
Solution Approach 2:
The protective coating serves multiple functions: protecting the magnet, enabling particle collection, facilitating release, and aiding transfer to different volumes. This multi-functionality justifies the added structure by eliminating the need for separate components for each function
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 allows for reliable and efficient collection and transfer of micro-particles across varying volumes, minimizing contamination and operational complexity, while effectively managing viscous samples and optimizing magnetic field utilization.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic particles, such as micro-particles present in a reaction solution are captured at a certain point on the interior wall of a tube by means of a magnet placed outside the vessel
Implementation Method 2
The magnet has to be covered with a protecting element which protects the magnet from various adverse conditions and enables manipulation of micro-particles
Implementation Method 3
A magnetic transfer method utilizing a ferromagnetic tube to adjust the magnetic field's intensity and alignment, allowing the magnet to be partially or fully inside the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic transfer method for sorting, collecting, transferring or dosing microparticles (22) or magnetic particles either in the same liquid (23) or from one liquid (23a) into another (23b) by using a magnetic field. The transfer device (10) comprises a magnet (13) placed inside a protective coating (21), and the collection or dozing is accomplished by changing the magnetic field of the magnet (13). The changing of the magnetic field is effected by using a ferromagnetic body, such as a plate or tube (12), comprised in the transfer device, in such manner that, when micro-particles are to be collected, the magnet is partially or completely outside the ferromagnetic body and, when the particles are to be released or dozed, the magnet is partially or completely inside or behind the ferromagnetic body.