CAPSULE , IN - LINE MAGNETIC VALVE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Synopsis

Patent US 11,035,498 B2 describes a capsule and an in-line magnetic valve system and method, designed for precise control over fluid flow within a conduit, particularly in microfluidic applications. This invention addresses the challenge of creating highly controllable, miniature valves that can operate efficiently without external moving parts or complex machinery, offering a solution for applications requiring discrete fluid manipulation.
A key novel aspect of this patent is the use of a magnetic capsule positioned within a fluid conduit. This capsule contains a magnetic element and is designed to move within the conduit in response to an external magnetic field. The system includes at least one electromagnet positioned outside the conduit, which generates a magnetic field. By precisely controlling the current supplied to the electromagnet, the magnetic field can be modulated to exert a force on the magnetic capsule, causing it to move and either open or close a fluid pathway. The patent details how the system can utilize a single electromagnet to move the capsule, or multiple electromagnets to achieve more nuanced control over the capsule's position and the fluid flow. This approach allows for a non-invasive, highly precise, and rapid control over fluid flow, significantly reducing the complexity and potential for contamination associated with traditional mechanical valves in microfluidic settings.
The commercial potential of this invention is substantial within fields requiring precise fluid handling at small scales, offering advantages in terms of compactness, reliability, and contamination control.

Possible applications include:
Medical Diagnostics and Point-of-Care Devices: Enabling precise manipulation of blood, reagents, and samples within microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices for rapid and accurate diagnostic tests, drug delivery systems, and portable medical instruments. The non-invasive control minimizes sample contamination.
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research: Facilitating automated high-throughput screening, cell culture, and genetic analysis by enabling precise control over fluid flow and mixing within microreactors and bioreactors, accelerating drug discovery and development processes.
Chemical Analysis and Environmental Monitoring: Providing compact and precise fluid control for portable chemical sensors and environmental monitoring devices, allowing for on-site analysis of water quality, air pollutants, or industrial chemicals.
Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) and Microfluidics: Serving as a fundamental component in advanced microfluidic platforms, allowing for the integration of complex fluidic operations (mixing, separation, valving) onto a single chip, driving innovation in various miniature systems.
Inkjet Printing Technologies: Enhancing the precision and control of ink delivery in advanced inkjet systems, particularly for applications requiring extremely fine droplet control or handling of specialized fluids in 3D printing or functional material deposition.
Fuel Cells and Energy Systems: Enabling precise control over fuel and oxidant delivery in miniature fuel cells or micro-power generation systems, optimizing their performance and efficiency.

This patent offers a robust and adaptable solution for precise fluidic control at the micro-scale, providing a pathway to more compact, efficient, and reliable systems across a broad spectrum of scientific, industrial, and medical applications.