Sample Pretreatment System With Magnetic Mixing And Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample pretreatment systems face challenges in minimizing operator errors and ensuring accuracy and uniformity, especially when handling small amounts of fluid samples, and require automation for efficient mixing and discharge processes.
Innovation Solution
A sample pretreatment system that automates the mixing, heating, and discharge processes using a module with a magnetic force and mechanical drive, maintaining uniform pressure and temperature to enhance mixing efficiency and reaction efficiency, while minimizing mechanical drive and ensuring a fixed amount of sample is discharged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual pretreatment is performed using pipette or dropper, then the operator can handle the sample, but operator errors increase and accuracy decreases when handling small amounts of sample
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service pretreatment where the cartridge and module automatically perform mixing, heating, and sample discharge without manual intervention. The magnetic mixing system automatically mixes samples with reagents, the heating system automatically maintains optimal temperatures, and the discharge mechanism automatically transfers fixed amounts of pretreated sample to the measuring instrument, eliminating operator errors entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (pipetting, mixing, heating, discharge) with automated systems. Specifically, magnetic fields replace manual mixing actions, automated heating elements replace manual temperature control, and a mechanical discharge system replaces manual sample transfer, thereby eliminating operator error and improving both accuracy and reliability
2Productivity
If manual pretreatment process is used, then the operator can control the process, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pretreatment functions (mixing, heating, sample discharge) into a single integrated cartridge-module system. The cartridge containing the sample and reagents is placed in the module which provides magnetic mixing, heating, and discharge functions, allowing all operations to be performed in one location without complex manual procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The module is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple pretreatment operations (mixing with magnetic force, heating to various temperatures, discharge of fixed amounts) using a single device. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall process by eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and manual操作步骤
3Loss of time
If heating power is increased to heat sample quickly, then heating efficiency improves, but sample may overflow due to pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where pressure sensors monitor the internal pressure of the cartridge during heating and mixing operations. When pressure changes are detected that could lead to overflow, the system automatically adjusts the heating power or mixing intensity to maintain safe pressure levels, thus preventing sample overflow while still achieving quick heating
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed with a pressure relief mechanism or sufficient headspace beforehand to accommodate pressure changes during heating. This preemptive design feature prevents overflow by providing a safety buffer before pressure becomes problematic, allowing aggressive heating without risk of sample loss
4Productivity
If magnetic force is used for mixing, then mixing efficiency improves and mechanical drive is minimized, but the system requires magnetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing drives (magnetic stirrers, vortex mixers) with a magnetic field-based mixing system. A permanent magnet or electromagnet within the cartridge interacts with magnetic particles or a magnetic mixing element to generate mixing motion without any moving mechanical parts, thereby simplifying the device while improving mixing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses magnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer energy for mixing purposes. Instead of direct mechanical contact between the drive mechanism and the sample, a magnetic field serves as the intermediary that couples the power source to the mixing element, enabling contactless and efficient mixing with minimal mechanical complexity
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 system reduces operator errors, ensures accurate and uniform test results, and provides a user-friendly environment by automating the pretreatment and loading processes, improving mixing and reaction efficiency, and maintaining consistent sample discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic force generating unit (300) for generating a magnetic force to rotate the permanent magnet (132)
Implementation Method 2
the module and the cartridge are automatically heated to maintain the desired temperature for a desired time, thereby improving mixing efficiency and reaction efficiency
Implementation Method 3
In the pretreatment and loading of the sample, the module and the cartridge are automatically heated to maintain the desired temperature for a desired time, thereby improving mixing efficiency and reaction efficiency
Implementation Method 4
a penetration and discharge unit (200) for pressing a cap edge portion (129) of the sample pretreatment module (100) to penetrate a penetration membrane (116)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a system for pretreatment of sample and a method for controlling the same. The sample pretreatment system and the control method therefor according to the present invention can minimize the errors that may occur when the operator manually proceeds, and ensure accuracy and uniformity in the pretreatment and test results of the sample. Accordingly, all the process of mixing, discharging of the sample, and loading of a diagnosis cartridge can be performed automatically and easily, thereby, enhancing the convenience of the operation and providing a user-friendly experimental environment. In addition, it is intended to maintain and control the pressure in the chamber uniformly so as to prevent the outpouring of the sample even in sudden changes of the pressure in the chamber. Also, it is intended to heat the sample to the desired temperature within a short time to increase the mixing and reaction efficiency of the sample by increasing the heat transfer power for the sample in the chamber. In addition, the mixing effect of the sample can be increased, and the mechanical driving can be minimized by using the magnetic force, thereby enabling to discharge a fixed amount after the sample pretreatment.