Rotating Shielded Magnetic Actuator for Fluid Assay Particle Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of magnetic actuators in fluid assays complicates the design of the system, particularly when introducing and retracting magnetic fields to immobilize particles, which is necessary for both preparation and analysis, but often only done intermittently, posing challenges in system design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A rotating shielded magnetic actuator system with shielded magnets and motors, where the magnets are configured to rotate about eccentric axes, allowing for controlled magnetic fields to be applied and removed from a well plate with multiple wells, enabling efficient isolation and collection of magnetic particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic actuator is introduced into the fluid assay system to immobilize particles, then particle isolation capability is improved, but system design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic actuator employs dynamic rotation of magnets about eccentric axes to generate time-varying magnetic fields. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve particle immobilization through rotational motion rather than requiring complex static magnetic field configurations, thereby improving particle isolation capability while managing system design complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic shields as intermediary components between the magnets and the assay environment. These shields mediate the magnetic field distribution, allowing controlled magnetic field application to particles while isolating the magnetic actuation mechanism from direct interaction with assay components, thus reducing system design complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic fields are intermittently introduced and retracted to immobilize particles during assay preparation and analysis, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic actuator utilizes periodic rotation of magnets to create intermittent magnetic field application. By rotating magnets about eccentric axes, the system naturally produces periodic magnetic field zones that can immobilize particles during specific phases of the assay cycle, providing operational flexibility without requiring complex active control mechanisms for field switching
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational dynamics of the magnetic actuator enable seamless transition between magnetic field application and retraction states. The continuous rotation naturally creates zones of magnetic field presence and absence, allowing the system to adapt to different assay stages (preparation and analysis) through simple rotational control rather than complex field switching mechanisms
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
This solution allows for precise control of magnetic fields, facilitating the immobilization and collection of magnetic particles during assays, reducing system complexity and improving operational efficiency by minimizing magnetic interference and enhancing the ability to handle assay/sample/reagent plates.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic materials are incorporated into particles such that the particles may be immobilized by magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
a first shielded magnet comprising a first shield coupled to and covering a portion of a first permanent magnet, where the first shielded magnet has a thickness, a length, and a first axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems configured to isolate particles in a fluid assay are disclosed. Methods for collecting a sample of magnetic particles from a liquid are also disclosed. In certain embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods include a magnetic actuator coupled to a chassis, where the magnetic actuator comprises at least one shielded rotatable magnet.