Multi-Well Mixing Device with Magnetic Coupling and Seal Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing devices for multi-well plates face challenges in maintaining air tightness and preventing evaporation in each well, especially when using volatile solutions, and struggle with setting individual mixing conditions for each well, leading to inefficient mixing and inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with a magnetic coupling mechanism and seal ring configuration for each well, isolating the mixing space from the motor and applying uniform pressure to seal rings, using materials like PEEK resin and fluorocarbon polymers to prevent solvent degradation and ensure air tightness, allowing for independent control of mixing speed and conditions for each well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic stirrer is used for mixing, then mixing can be performed, but the mixing device becomes large in size and cannot provide individual mixing control for each well
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is segmented into individual mixing mechanisms for each well, with each mechanism comprising a separate motor, mixing rod, and seal ring assembly. This segmentation enables independent mixing control for each well while keeping each individual unit compact, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing rod is nested within the well, and the seal ring is nested within the well opening, creating a compact nested structure. The motor is positioned outside the well but connected through a magnetic coupling mechanism, allowing the mixing function to be nested within the multi-well plate structure without significantly increasing overall device size.
2Reliability
If horizontal vortex mixing or magnetic stirrer is used, then mixing can be performed, but evaporation of volatile reaction solution occurs and air tightness is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
A seal ring made of fluorocarbon rubber or fluorocarbon polymer is used to create a flexible seal between the mixing rod and the well opening. This flexible seal maintains air tightness during mixing operations and prevents evaporation of volatile reaction solutions, directly addressing the reliability and substance loss issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring acts as an intermediary element between the mixing rod and the well opening, creating a barrier that prevents direct contact between the mixing mechanism and the reaction solution. This intermediary structure maintains air tightness while allowing the mixing function to proceed, preventing both evaporation and contamination.
3Reliability
If a seal is provided between mixing rod and bearing, then liquid splashing is prevented, but the bearing is isolated from the mixing space and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling mechanism replaces the traditional mechanical bearing connection between the motor and mixing rod. The motor rotates a magnet outside the well, which magnetically drives the mixing rod inside the well without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the bearing entirely, preventing liquid splashing while maintaining reliable mixing through magnetic field transmission.
4Measurement precision
If only one mixing condition is set for all wells, then device simplicity is maintained, but mixing accuracy and ability to evaluate detailed conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is segmented into independently controllable units for each well, with each well having its own motor and mixing rod. This segmentation enables individual mixing condition settings for each well, allowing precise control over mixing speed and duration to evaluate detailed conditions such as crystal polymorphism, while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.
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
The solution effectively reduces evaporation and enhances mixing accuracy and efficiency across all wells, ensuring uniform air tightness and precise control over mixing conditions, even with volatile solutions, improving the reliability of results in cell-based assays and crystal screening.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic coupling mechanism that magnetically couples the first rotator to the second rotator
Implementation Method 2
The seal ring surrounds an opening of the well and is capable of closing the well together with the second rotator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a mixing device that is configured to install therein a multi-well plate including a plurality of wells capable of containing matter to be mixed and includes mixing mechanisms each of which mixes the matter to be mixed with a motor and is provided for each of the wells. The mixing mechanisms each includes a first rotator that is connected to the motor and rotates due to activation of the motor, a mixing rod that mixes the matter to be mixed, a second rotator that supports the mixing rod, a magnetic coupling mechanism that magnetically couples the first rotator to the second rotator, and a seal ring that surrounds an opening of the well and is capable of closing the well together with the second rotator.