Slidable Magnet Rack for High-Throughput Magnetic Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for biomedical sample preparation are prone to human error, are cumbersome, and require multiple operational steps and equipment, leading to inefficiencies in throughput and sample purity.
Innovation Solution
A rack system configured for compatibility with automated or manual pipettors, featuring integrated slidable magnets that enable magnetic-based sample preparation in a high-throughput manner, allowing for parallel operation and minimizing manual handling, thereby enhancing sample purity and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used for sample preparation, then sample purity can be maintained, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming due to multiple operational steps and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sample preparation operations (pipetting, magnetic separation, washing, mixing) into a single integrated rack system that can perform all steps simultaneously at one station, eliminating the need for multiple separate equipment pieces and manual transfers
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various vial types, support both manual and automated pipetting, and integrate magnetic separation functionality, making it capable of performing diverse sample preparation tasks without requiring specialized equipment for each function
2Reliability
If multiple operational steps are used in sample preparation, then sample purity can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The rack enables continuous sample preparation by allowing multiple operations to occur simultaneously in parallel - while one vial undergoes magnetic separation, another can be pipetted or washed, eliminating idle time between steps and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the process
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is pre-configured with all necessary components (magnets, pipette tips, reagent vials) in predetermined positions, so that when sample preparation begins, all necessary elements are already in place and ready for immediate use, eliminating setup time and sequential delays
3Ease of operation
If manual handling is used in sample preparation, then flexibility is maintained, but human error increases and quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed to be self-contained with integrated magnets that can be actuated directly by the pipettor without requiring separate manual intervention, allowing the system to perform magnetic separation automatically as part of the pipetting sequence without human error
Solution Approach 2:
The rack serves as an intermediary platform between the pipettor and the sample vials, providing a standardized interface that translates automated pipettor movements into precise sample handling actions, eliminating direct manual manipulation while maintaining operational ease
4Extent of automation
If magnets are integrated into the rack, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnets are nested within the rack structure itself, with slidable magnet components that can be moved along rails within the rack body, allowing the magnetic separation function to be embedded in the rack rather than requiring separate external magnetic equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical magnetic actuation systems with a simpler slidable magnet design that can be directly actuated by the pipettor's existing mechanical movement, substituting a dedicated magnetic actuation mechanism with the pipettor's own motion
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 enables faster and more efficient sample preparation with reduced manual handling, improving the quality and throughput of magnetic separation processes by integrating magnets within a single station, supporting both positive and negative selection methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one slidable magnet disposed for contact or near contact with a side wall of a vial... the magnet enabled rack supports a multistep magnetic based sample preparation capability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for handling a variety of sample and preparatory fluids in a rack specifically configured for compatibility with predetermined liquid handlers such as automated pipettors or multi-channel manual pipettors and set up for magnetic based sample preparation. The rack can hold all of the necessary sample and reagent vials, and present them to the pipettor in some embodiments in a way that allows for parallel operation. The rack includes slidable magnets that in some embodiments are actuatable directly by the pipettor, eliminating a layer of complexity. Combined with a suitable pipettor the magnet enabled rack supports a multistep magnetic based sample preparation capability in a high throughput manner at one station that enhances sample purity throughout magnetic separation processes.