Movable Electromagnet Assemblies for 3D Magnetic Particle Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample mixing systems using magnetic particles are limited to single-dimensional mixing, often restricted to shallow and low-volume containers, and face challenges in parallel processing of larger sample volumes, leading to inefficiencies and sample loss.
Innovation Solution
A fluid processing system utilizing movable electromagnetic assemblies (MEMA) with electromagnets configured to generate three-dimensional magnetic field gradients, enabling efficient mixing of magnetic particles within fluid samples by agitating them in x-y and z-directions, allowing for parallel processing of larger volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional horizontal or vertical mixers are used, then mixing can be achieved, but dead zones form and mixing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple electromagnet assemblies that can be independently controlled to create dynamic, multi-directional mixing motions. The electromagnets alternately activate in different orientations (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to continuously change the mixing pattern, eliminating dead zones while maintaining efficient mixing without complex mechanical mixer configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical mixing systems with an electromagnetic field-based system. Electromagnet assemblies generate magnetic fields that interact with ferromagnetic particles in the slurry, creating motion and mixing through magnetic forces rather than mechanical contact, thereby eliminating dead zones associated with conventional mixers.
2Quantity of substance
If high solids content slurry is pumped, then transportation capacity increases, but particle settling occurs and delivery reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodically alternating electromagnetic fields from multiple electromagnet assemblies to continuously agitate and suspend particles in the slurry. The electromagnets switch on and off in sequences, creating periodic magnetic forces that prevent particle settling even at high solids content, ensuring reliable particle suspension during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electromagnet assemblies target different regions of the pipeline with localized magnetic fields. By creating varying magnetic field strengths and orientations at different locations (horizontal, vertical, diagonal orientations), the system maintains uniform particle suspension throughout the slurry column, preventing settling at the bottom while transporting high solids content material.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic field strength is increased to improve particle manipulation, then particle control improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying full magnetic field strength continuously, the system uses partial activation of electromagnet assemblies in alternating sequences. Each electromagnet operates at high strength during its active phase for precise particle control, but rests during other phases, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective particle manipulation through cumulative magnetic actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which electromagnet assemblies are active at any given moment, creating time-varying magnetic field patterns. This dynamic operation allows high particle control precision when needed while minimizing energy consumption by cycling electromagnets through active and inactive states, rather than maintaining constant high-field strength.
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 system achieves homogeneous, three-dimensional mixing of fluid samples, enhancing mixing efficiency and enabling parallel processing of larger volumes with reduced sample loss and contamination, facilitating automation and improved sample preparation for analytical studies.
Implementation Method 1
A first electromagnet assembly...A second electromagnet assembly...generate magnetic fields to manipulate particles
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnet assemblies may be supplied with alternating current to create alternating magnetic fields for mixing
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid processing system that can include a sample container having a sample chamber for containing a fluid and a plurality of magnetic particles and at least one movable magnetic assembly configured to be movably inserted into or out of the sample chamber. The movable magnetic assembly can include a plurality of electromagnets that generate a magnetic field within at least a portion of the sample chamber when the assembly is inserted at least partially into the sample chamber. The fluid processing system can also include a signal generator that applies electrical signals, e.g., AC electrical signals, to the electromagnets of the magnetic assembly and a controller coupled to the signal generator that is configured to control phases of the electrical signals applied to the electromagnets to generate magnetic field gradients within the portion of the sample chamber effective to magnetically influence the plurality of the magnetic particles.