Sample Analyzer With Channel-Integrated Magnets for Stable Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers using movable magnets for magnetic field generation suffer from positional deviation, leading to reduced analysis accuracy due to unreliable magnetic particle capture.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a fixed magnetic material with the channel to stabilize the magnetic field, ensuring accurate capture of magnetic particles without requiring movement of the magnet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable magnet mechanism is used to generate magnetic field, then the magnetic field can be applied and removed for particle capture and discharge, but the mechanism increases device complexity and causes positional deviation reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generating unit is integrated with the channel structure, merging two previously separate components (magnet and channel) into a unified assembly. This eliminates the need for separate movable magnet mechanisms while maintaining the ability to apply and remove magnetic fields for particle capture and discharge operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple magnets with independently controllable magnetic fields, allowing dynamic control of magnetic field strength and distribution. This enables the system to switch between capture and discharge modes by adjusting magnetic field parameters rather than physically moving components
2Reliability
If a movable magnet mechanism is used, then magnetic field can be controlled, but positional deviation occurs repeatedly reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the magnetic field generating unit with the channel, the patent eliminates positional deviation between the magnet and channel that occurs with separate movable mechanisms. The unified structure ensures consistent magnetic field positioning, thereby maintaining both reliability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple magnets that can be independently controlled to replicate and redistribute the magnetic field function. This redundancy allows the system to maintain consistent magnetic field effects even if individual magnets vary, compensating for potential positional or field strength variations
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 integrated fixed magnetic material reduces positional deviation of the magnetic field, enabling highly accurate analysis by maintaining a consistent magnetic field distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field applying unit that applies a magnetic field for capturing the magnetic particle in the channel
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a sample analyzer that is less likely to cause positional deviation of a magnetic field in a channel regardless of an occurrence of positional deviation of a magnet and that enables highly accurate analysis. To attain this purpose, the present invention provides a sample analyzer including: a channel that introduces a sample liquid containing a magnetic particle bound to a labeling substance; a liquid feeding unit that supplies and discharges the sample liquid into and from the channel; a magnetic field applying unit that applies a magnetic field for capturing the magnetic particle in the channel; and a detector that detects the labeling substance bound to the magnetic particle that has been captured. The magnetic field applying unit includes a plurality of members, and at least one of the members is formed integrally with the channel.