Acoustic Plasma Separation with Hematocrit-Adaptive Wave Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems using fixed drive routines for acoustic wave separation of particles from liquid, such as red blood cells from plasma, are inadequate for high hematocrit samples, often failing to produce sufficient separation without damaging the sample.
Innovation Solution
A system that adjusts acoustic wave parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on the hematocrit level, using fluid electrical resistance as a proxy, and includes a control system to dynamically control the acoustic transducer, employing look-up tables or drive routines tailored to specific hematocrit values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed drive routines are used to generate acoustic waves for particle-liquid separation, then the system operation is simple, but the separation effectiveness is insufficient for high hematocrit samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic drive routines that adjust acoustic wave parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on real-time hematocrit measurements. The system transitions from fixed, static parameters to dynamic, adaptive parameters that change according to sample conditions, enabling effective separation across varying hematocrit levels while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes acoustic wave parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on measured hematocrit values. Different parameter sets are selected from look-up tables or generated in real-time according to the specific sample conditions, allowing optimization of separation effectiveness for each unique sample without requiring manual intervention
2Reliability
If acoustic wave amplitude is increased to improve separation in high hematocrit samples, then separation effectiveness improves, but sample damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops where hematocrit is measured, and the measured value feeds back to adjust acoustic wave parameters. This closed-loop control ensures that the acoustic energy applied is precisely matched to sample conditions, achieving effective separation while preventing excessive energy input that would cause sample damage
Solution Approach 2:
The drive routine dynamically adjusts acoustic wave parameters based on real-time hematocrit measurements, transitioning from static to adaptive control. This enables the system to apply optimal energy levels for each sample condition, improving separation effectiveness while preventing sample damage through automated parameter optimization
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed acoustic wave parameters are used, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot adapt to varying hematocrit levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring hematocrit and selecting appropriate acoustic wave parameters without user intervention. The automated control system handles the complexity of parameter selection and adjustment, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability to varying sample conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from hematocrit measurements to automatically adjust acoustic wave parameters. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to varying hematocrit levels while maintaining simple operation, as the automation handles the complexity of real-time parameter optimization
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
Effectively separates plasma from red blood cells in high hematocrit samples, producing large enough cell-free plasma regions for optical detection without sample damage, and continuously adapts to changes in hematocrit levels.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic waves can be applied to the test sample to separate the particles from liquid. The acoustic waves create one or more pressure nodes within the test sample, which correspond to regions of maximum and minimum pressure in the test sample. The particles move to the locations of minimum pressure
Implementation Method 2
The value that is based on the hematocrit may be fluid electrical resistance. The fluid electrical resistance may vary with the hematocrit. The fluid electrical resistance may correspond to a voltage difference between two locations in the test sample
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes a detector configured to detect a value that is based on a hematocrit of a test sample containing plasma and red blood cells, a fluidic channel configured to hold the test sample, and an acoustic transducer configured to apply acoustic waves to the fluidic channel to separate the plasma from the red blood cells in the fluidic channel. The acoustic waves have at least one of an amplitude, a frequency, or a duration that is based on the value.