Multiplanar PCB Coil Array for Low-Power Magnetic Bead Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic immunoassays face challenges in actuating magnetic beads in multiple directions due to insufficient magnetic force from planar PCB electromagnetic coils, which require high power consumption or topographical assistance, limiting their use in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A multiplanar planar electromagnetic microactuator array with overlapping electromagnetic coils is used to generate a spatiotemporal magnetic field, allowing the actuation of permanent magnets in X-, Y-, and diagonal directions, reducing power consumption and enabling efficient bead manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If planar PCB electromagnetic coils are used to actuate magnetic beads, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the magnetic force is insufficient requiring high power consumption or topographical assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-planar coil structure to a multiplanar electromagnetic array with coils arranged in multiple layers and orientations. This dimensional expansion creates overlapping magnetic field zones that amplify the overall magnetic force without increasing individual coil power consumption, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and sufficient actuation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple electromagnetic coils into an integrated multiplanar array where coils overlap in space and their magnetic fields superimpose. This merging of multiple coil systems creates a synergistic effect that generates stronger magnetic forces for bead actuation while maintaining reasonable power consumption levels compared to using a single high-power coil.
2Force
If high-power electromagnetic coils are used for long-range transport of permanent magnet, then the magnetic field strength is sufficient, but the power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic actuation system into multiple lower-power coils arranged in a multiplanar array. Instead of using one high-power coil, the system divides the actuation function across many coils that operate at lower individual power levels. The segmented coils work cooperatively to generate the necessary magnetic field strength for long-range magnet transport while maintaining lower overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic activation of coils in the multiplanar array, where coils are energized in sequences rather than continuously. This periodic action allows the permanent magnet to be transported across longer distances by progressively activating adjacent coils, reducing the peak power requirements compared to maintaining continuous high-power fields across the entire transport path.
3Ease of operation
If centrifugal force is used to drive beads in microfluidic platform, then peripheral devices are not needed, but the beads can only be directed in one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugal force system with an electromagnetic actuation system using multiplanar PCB coils. This substitution allows for electronic control of magnetic field direction and intensity, enabling multi-directional bead manipulation while maintaining the automation benefit of not requiring external peripheral devices. The electromagnetic system provides greater operational versatility compared to the unidirectional nature of centrifugal force.
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 multiplanar electromagnetic array effectively actuates magnetic beads within microfluidic immunoassay devices, facilitating automated sample preparation and quantitative analysis with low power consumption, suitable for clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a programmable microactuator generates a spatiotemporal magnetic field by sequentially energizing at least two of the first-layer electromagnetic coil, second layer electromagnetic coil, or third-layer electromagnetic coil
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic interaction between the permanent magnet and magnetic beads allows for bead actuation within an immunoassay device
Implementation Method 3
Magnetic interaction between the permanent magnet and magnetic beads allows for bead actuation within an immunoassay device
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplanar electromagnetic array is disclosed herein, where the array includes a first electromagnetic coil in a first plane, a second electromagnetic coil in a second plane, and a third electromagnetic coil in a third plane. A microactuator is configured to energize electromagnetic coils in the array in sequence, thereby forming a moving electromagnetic field that moves a permanent magnet positioned above the multiplanar electromagnetic array. Movement of the permanent magnet effectuates desired movement of a bead that is in a channel of an immunoassay device.