Movable Magnet Carrier for Uniform Biological Fluid Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biological fluid processing systems face challenges in efficiently applying and removing magnetic fields to containers, particularly when using flexible containers, leading to non-uniform fluid-gas interfaces and requiring manual handling of fluids between containers.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic selector with a moveable magnet carrier and a housing that allows for flexible or rigid containers to be processed within a uniform fluid-gas interface, enabling automated application and removal of magnetic fields, and integration into a fluid processing system for seamless operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a moveable magnet carrier is used to apply magnetic fields to flexible containers, then uniform magnetic field application is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of magnetic field applicationVSAvoidcomplexity of magnet carrier mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet carrier is designed to be moveable relative to the floor, transitioning between a first state (adjacent to the floor) and a second state (spaced from the floor). This dynamic positioning enables uniform magnetic field application to flexible containers while managing device complexity through controlled motion rather than complex structural arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet carrier acts as an intermediary component between the fixed floor and the flexible container, mediating the application of magnetic fields. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system by concentrating the magnetic field generation function in a single moveable component rather than requiring complex integrated solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual handling of fluids between containers is required, then the system structure is simpler, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of fluid processingVSAvoidcomplexity of automated handling system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic selector is integrated into a fluid processing system that can process biological fluids through multiple operations (separation, concentration, etc.) within a single container. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for manual fluid transfer between multiple containers, improving productivity while managing system complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the magnetic field application function with the fluid processing operations in a single integrated system. The magnet carrier, housing, and fluid processing components work together as a unified system, eliminating the need for separate manual handling steps and improving overall processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible containers are used for biological fluid processing, then adaptability is improved, but uniform fluid-gas interface is difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in container usageVSAvoiduniformity of fluid-gas interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with specific structural features (floor and ceiling configurations) that create a controlled environment within the flexible container. This local structural control ensures uniform fluid-gas interface in the critical processing region while maintaining the overall flexibility and adaptability of the container for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 magnetic selector ensures uniform application of magnetic fields, simplifies the processing of biological fluids by automating the magnetic field application and removal, and facilitates efficient separation and handling of fluids within a single container.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet carrier moveable relative to the floor between a first state wherein the magnet carrier is adjacent the floor and a second state wherein the magnet carrier is spaced from the floor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12496579B2Magnetic selector and systems incorporating same

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 FENWAL INC

AI summary

A magnetic selector includes a housing configured to receive a container and having a floor upon which the container is disposed. The selector also includes a magnet carrier disposed on an opposite side of the floor from the container. The magnet carrier has at least one magnet disposed thereon and being moveable relative to the floor between a first state wherein the magnet carrier is adjacent the floor and a second state wherein the magnet carrier is spaced from the floor. The selector may include a door. The magnetic selector is usable in a fluid processing system that includes a fluid processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid. A container is disposed in the magnetic selector and connected to the processor along a fluid pathway. The processor is configured to separate the biological fluid from the source container into at least two streams of material.