Two-Sided Magnetic Separation Device for Assay Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic separation devices are limited in their ability to accommodate various types of assay and PCR plates due to their specific shape and mechanism, lacking a versatile and compact solution that fits different plate formats on the market.
Innovation Solution
A two-sided magnetic separation device with a flat surface and adjustable magnetic position locker, capable of fitting multiple assay and PCR plates, featuring a magnetic block, a secure pin system, and corner legs for easy positioning, along with a modular magnet configuration for optimized magnetism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If magnetic separation devices are designed with specific shapes and mechanisms to achieve strong magnetic field application, then magnetic separation function is improved, but adaptability to different plate types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with a universal flat surface that can accommodate multiple types of assay plates and PCR plates through a standardized pin positioning system. The flat surface with precisely positioned pins creates a universal interface that works across different plate formats, allowing one device to perform magnetic separation for various plate types without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generation is segmented into multiple independent magnets positioned at specific locations corresponding to plate wells. This segmentation allows the magnetic field to be applied independently to different plate configurations while maintaining overall system versatility. Each magnet can be optimized for its specific position while the overall arrangement accommodates various plate types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic separation devices are designed with complex mechanisms to secure different plate types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses self-aligning features where the plate automatically positions itself relative to the pins and magnetic fields without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The plate's own geometry and the predetermined pin locations work together to achieve proper alignment, eliminating the need for complex securing mechanisms while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device accommodates different plate types by varying the positioning parameters of the pins and magnets rather than changing the overall mechanism. By adjusting the locations and configurations of these discrete elements, the device can adapt to different plate formats without increasing structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic separation devices are designed to fit various plate types with standardized interfaces, then adaptability is improved, but magnetic field strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field strength is optimized locally at each pin position and corresponding magnet location rather than attempting to create a uniform field across the entire device. This allows strong magnetic fields to be concentrated where needed for each specific plate type while maintaining the standardized flat surface interface for versatility.
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
Enables efficient and versatile magnetic separation across diverse plate types, ensuring compatibility with most market-available PCR and assay plates, while being compact, powerful, and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet block comprising one piece of permanent magnet or the composite magnet structure
Implementation Method 2
magnetic separation device that can fit different kinds of assay plate and PCR plate
Implementation Method 3
Metal or plastic sheet is used to cover the magnetic block, which makes the working surface easy to clean and maintain
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic separation device for immunoassay using a two-sided plate for multi-well microplate separation via a flat side containing a magnetic block and a back side of magnetic microplate structure containing a matrix of permanent magnets. The present invention relates to a multi-purpose magnetic separation device that has two sides of magnetic separation function. The flat side of magnetic separation device includes magnetic block, metal or plastic sheet surface top and a pin to secure the assay plate. The back side of magnetic separation device is a multi-well structure that includes a plurality of permanent magnets placed in the spaces between the adjacent wells. There are different magnetic configurations for the multi-well structure, which ensures that each well is pulled by at least one strong permanent magnet.