Magnetic Transfer Probe Convex Bottom for Particle Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for processing compositions containing target substances using magnetically responsive particles are inefficient in collecting and purifying these substances, especially in small volumes, due to limitations in magnetic field gradients and particle collection and release mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a magnetic transfer probe with a permanent magnet having a cylindrical portion and a convex bottom portion, allowing for effective collection and release of magnetically responsive particles in small volumes, enhancing magnetic field gradients for efficient particle collection and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a conventional magnet is used for particle collection, then the magnetic field gradient is limited, but the device structure is simpler

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field gradientVSAvoidmagnet structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a magnet with a convex bottom portion (spheroidal curvature) instead of a flat bottom. This curved geometry concentrates magnetic field lines at the bottom surface, significantly enhancing the magnetic field gradient in the region where particle collection occurs. The convex shape creates a focal point for magnetic flux, thereby increasing the collecting force on magnetically responsive particles without requiring additional complex structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Quantity of substance

If a large volume of composition is processed, then more target substance can be collected, but reagent consumption increases and processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of target substance collectedVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a two-stage process: first, magnetically responsive particles are pre-bound to the target substance in the composition; second, the magnetic transfer probe selectively collects these particle-target complexes. This preliminary binding action allows the target substance to be pre-concentrated on the particles before magnetic collection, enabling efficient processing of smaller volumes while maintaining high recovery yields. The probe only needs to collect the particle complexes rather than separating target molecules directly from large volumes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of stationary object

If the magnet is positioned close to the vessel bottom for small volume processing, then collection efficiency in small volumes improves, but particle release becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing volumeVSAvoidparticle release ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable magnet mechanism within the transfer probe, allowing the magnet's position to be dynamically adjusted relative to the shield opening. During the collection phase, the magnet is positioned close to the vessel bottom for efficient particle collection in small volumes. During the release phase, the magnet is retracted or moved away from the opening, reducing the magnetic field strength at the release point and enabling easy particle discharge. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between collection efficiency and release ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient collection, enrichment, and purification of target substances in reduced sample volumes, reducing reagent consumption and increasing processing speed while maintaining high concentration and enrichment ratios.

Implementation Method 1

The particles may be collected and lifted from a vessel by using a magnetic transfer probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the probe magnet (MAG1) is a permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

the particles (P1) are arranged to selectively interact with a target substance (M1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20220412970A1Method and Apparatus for Processing Material
Publication Date: 2022.12.29 LIFE TECH HLDG PTE LTD
  • US20220412970A1 patent drawing
  • US20220412970A1 patent drawing
  • US20220412970A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A target substance is collected from a composition by using magnetically responsive particles and a magnetic transfer probe. The composition may be prepared, e.g., by introducing magnetically responsive particles to a sample. The particles selectively bind to a target substance of the composition. The target substance and the particles are collected from the sample by using the magnetic transfer probe, which comprises a probe magnet. The probe magnet is a permanent magnet, which comprises a cylindrical portion and a convex bottom portion adjoining the cylindrical portion. The particle collection region of the magnetic transfer probe is at a low position, which allows collecting the particles from a small amount of the prepared composition.