Stationary Magnetic Extraction Module for Automated Sample Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for magnetically extracting components from biological samples are inefficient due to complexity and volume processing challenges, requiring manual intervention and complex kinematics for magnetization management.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a magnetic extraction module with a fixed magnet positioned relative to a pipetting support, allowing for magnetization and demagnetization cycles without manual intervention or complex kinematics, enabling efficient processing of large volumes by circulating samples past the magnet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical movement of magnets past sampler cones is used for magnetic extraction, then magnetic particle recovery is achieved, but device complexity and kinematic requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic particle recoveryVSAvoidkinematic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the magnet past the sampler cones, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the magnet stationary and moving the sampler cones past the magnet. This eliminates the need for complex kinematic mechanisms to move magnets while achieving the same magnetic extraction function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the magnet from the moving components and fixes it to the support structure. By taking the magnet out of the kinematic chain and making it stationary, the complexity of mechanical movement mechanisms is eliminated while magnetic extraction functionality is preserved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If manual intervention is used for magnetization management, then magnetic extraction can be performed, but ease of operation and automation decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic extraction capabilityVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to automatically perform magnetization and demagnetization cycles by simply circulating the sample past the stationary magnet. The process serves itself without requiring manual intervention for magnet management, as the circulation mechanism automatically creates the necessary magnetic exposure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary magnet is pre-positioned in the system, and the automated circulation mechanism is pre-configured to pass samples through the magnetic field. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual magnetization management during operation, as everything is set up to work automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If complex kinematics are implemented for magnet movement, then magnetic particle capture is improved, but productivity and processing efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic particle captureVSAvoidsample processing volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the system configuration - making the magnet stationary and moving the samples instead - the invention enables high-volume sample processing through automated circulation without the productivity limitations imposed by complex magnet movement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary magnet allows for continuous circulation of samples through the magnetic field, enabling uninterrupted magnetic extraction across large volumes. This continuous action eliminates the downtime and complexity associated with moving magnets, significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Facilitates automated and efficient extraction of magnetic particles from biological samples, reducing manual intervention and kinematic complexity while handling large volumes effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic portion (2) comprising at least one magnet (4) mounted fixedly relative to said securing portion (S)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250102532A1Module for magnetically extracting components from a sample

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 BIOMERIEUX SA

AI summary

A system for extracting components from a biological sample, the system including at least one extraction platform, a magnetic extraction module including a magnetic portion and a securing portion for securing the module to the extraction platform, the magnetic portion including at least one magnet that is fixedly mounted relative to the securing portion, the extraction platform including a pipetting support that is configured to co-operate with a pipetting device, characterised in that the magnetic portion of the magnetic extraction module has at least one position of use in which the magnetic portion is fixed at least relative to the pipetting support.