Microfluidic Device With External Magnetic Field Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices for extracting ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, and diamagnetic particles from samples suffer from low throughput and high manufacturing costs due to the need for large, precisely positioned magnetized structures to generate a magnetic field parallel to the channel bed, which increases device dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a pallet having a main channel and subsidiary channels, where the depth of the subsidiary channels is less than the main channel, creating a step at the junctions, and a groove on the opposite surface for receiving a magnetic field source aligned with the main channel, allowing for perpendicular extraction of particles without integrating the magnetic field source into the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large magnetized structures are integrated into the microfluidic device to generate sufficient magnetic field gradient, then particle extraction effectiveness is improved, but device dimensions and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generating structures are extracted from the microfluidic device itself and placed in an external holder positioned adjacent to the channel. This allows the device to achieve effective particle extraction using external magnets while reducing the device's internal volume and simplifying its structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An external holder serves as an intermediary component that positions the magnetic field generating structures adjacent to the microfluidic channel. This mediator enables effective magnetic field application without requiring the magnets to be integrated within the device, thus resolving the contradiction between extraction effectiveness and device size.
2Ease of operation
If magnetized structures are precisely positioned within the microfluidic device to create parallel magnetic field gradient, then particle extraction direction is controlled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the magnetic field generating structures from the device interior and placing them in an external holder, the system eliminates the need for precise positioning of magnets within the microfluidic device during manufacturing, while still maintaining control over particle extraction direction through external positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning magnets inside the device to control field direction, the invention inverts the approach by using external magnets where positioning is simpler, and controlling particle extraction through the geometry of the external holder and channel configuration rather than internal magnet placement.
3Reliability
If magnetic field source is integrated into the device structure, then particle extraction is effective, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field source is extracted from the device structure and placed in a separate external holder. This reduces device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining particle extraction efficiency through proper positioning of the external magnet adjacent to the channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two independent components: the microfluidic device for fluid handling and the external holder for magnetic field generation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective particle extraction.
4Reliability
If large magnetized structures are used to ensure effective particle extraction, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By using external magnets in a holder positioned adjacent to the channel, the system achieves effective particle extraction without requiring large magnetized structures to be integrated within the device, thereby maintaining higher throughput capabilities.
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 enhances particle extraction efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs by decoupling the magnetic field source from the device structure, improving throughput and reducing size while maintaining effective particle separation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field source, such as a magnet, which is arranged outside of, and adjacent to, the microfluidic device and which provides a magnetic field gradient which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main channel
Implementation Method 2
the depth of the one or more inlet subsidiary channels and the depth of the one or more outlet subsidiary channels is less than the depth of the main channel so that there is step defined at the first junction and at the second junction
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic device (1) comprising, a pallet, having a first surface (4a) and second, opposite, surface (4b); the first surface (4a) having defined therein, a main channel (5), and one or more inlet subsidiary channels (6a,6b) each of which is in fluid communication with the main channel (5) at a first junction (7) which is located at one end of the main channel (5), and corresponding one or more outlet subsidiary channels (8a,8b) each of which is in fluid communication with the main channel (5) at a second junction (9) which is located an second, opposite, end of the main channel (5); wherein the depth (‘d’) of the one or more inlet subsidiary channels (6a,6b) and the depth (‘χ’) of the one or more outlet subsidiary channels (8a,8b) is less than the depth (‘f) of the main channel (5) so that there is step (106a,106b, 108a, 108b) defined at the first junction (7) and at the second junction (9); the second, opposite, surface (4b) having defined therein a groove (15) which can receive a means for generating a magnetic field, wherein the groove (15) is aligned with, and extends parallel to, the main channel (5). There is further provided a corresponding assembly and method of extracting ferromagnetic, paramagnetic and/or diamagnetic particles from a sample.