Refillable Column Plunger with Gas Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic cell separation columns face issues with air entrapment in ferromagnetic matrices, leading to reduced separation speed and inability to reuse the columns due to air being sucked back into the matrix when liquid is added.

Innovation Solution

A column system with a plunger having a channel for gaseous communication from one end to the other, equipped with a closing mechanism to prevent air from entering the matrix, allowing for pressure or vacuum application without introducing air into the ferromagnetic matrix.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If liquid is removed from the ferromagnetic matrix by draining, then the separation process can be completed, but air becomes entrapped in the matrix and blocks it for further liquid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation speedVSAvoidmatrix blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger is divided into a liquid-tight section and a gas-permeable section, allowing differential control over liquid and air flow paths. This segmentation enables liquid to be pressed through the matrix while air can escape through the gas-permeable section, preventing matrix blockage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gas-permeable section of the plunger acts as an intermediary that allows air to pass through while blocking liquid. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by providing a selective pathway that prevents air entrapment in the matrix during liquid removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a plunger is used to force liquid and entrapped air through the matrix, then liquid can be flushed out, but removing the plunger to add additional liquid sucks air into the matrix from the exit port

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolumn reuseVSAvoidair suction into matrix

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger is segmented into liquid-tight and gas-permeable sections, enabling it to control both liquid and air flow differently. When the plunger is removed, the gas-permeable section allows air to pass through the plunger itself rather than being sucked into the matrix, maintaining column reuse capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gas-permeable section of the plunger, which might seem to allow air leakage, actually prevents the harmful effect of air being sucked into the matrix. By providing a controlled air passage through the plunger, it converts the potential harm into a beneficial feature that maintains system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If pressure is applied to speed up separation or reduce liquid volume, then processing efficiency increases, but air may be forced into the matrix

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidair introduction into matrix

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger's segmented design with liquid-tight and gas-permeable sections allows pressure to be applied to liquid while air can escape through the gas-permeable section. This prevents air from being forced into the matrix during pressurized processing, maintaining both speed and purity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient separation of particles by maintaining the matrix wetted with liquid, preventing air entrapment and allowing for column reuse by ensuring the matrix remains covered with liquid during the separation process.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic cell separation is an established technology to separate magnetically labelled cells from non-magnetic cells by utilizing a high gradient magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a ferromagnetic matrix, which is subjected to a strong magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

the plunger is provided with at least one channel providing gaseous communication from the first end to the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3400983B1Refillable column system

Publication Date: 2019.11.27 MILTENYI BIOTEC BV & CO KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d

AI summary

The invention is directed to a column system for separation of particles comprising a reservoir section with a input opening; a filter section provided with a filter matrix and an output opening and a plunger having a first and a second end, the first end fitting into the reservoir section characterized in that the plunger is provided with at least one channel providing gaseous communication from the first end to the second end. Use of the column system for magnetic cell separation.