Annular-Port Separation Syringe for Point-of-Care PRP Fractionation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating biological connective tissues, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow concentrate (BMC), require expensive equipment and skilled operators, leading to variability in output and limited accessibility for point-of-care applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, portable, and easy-to-use centrifugal separation syringe with an annular exit opening and automated operation, allowing for quick and reliable separation of biological connective tissue fractions without the need for additional centrifugation equipment, minimizing operator dependence and equipment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized centrifuges and complex separation systems are used, then separation precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber for sample, second chamber for separated fraction) separated by a partition with a specific opening. This segmentation allows separation to occur within the syringe itself during centrifugation, eliminating the need for complex external separation equipment while maintaining reliable fraction separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation system is nested within the syringe structure itself. The partition with the opening is integrated into the syringe body, and the separation process occurs within the nested chamber configuration during centrifugation, creating a compact self-contained system that reduces overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If manual operation and skilled operators are required, then measurement precision and control are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs separation automatically during centrifugation based on the predetermined opening size in the partition. The design self-regulates the separation process without requiring manual intervention or skilled operation, as the fraction passes through the opening automatically when the separation conditions are met during centrifugation.
3Manufacturing precision
If discrete outlet ports are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to blockage risk
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using discrete point outlets, the invention uses an annular opening that extends around the circumference of the partition. This dimensional change from a point outlet to a环形 (annular) outlet provides multiple parallel flow paths, eliminating blockage risk while maintaining precise control over the separation process during centrifugation.
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, reproducible, and viable separation of tissue fractions at the point of care, reducing costs and complexity, and facilitating immediate use or storage of PRP/BMC for clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
the separation syringe is rotated about its longitudinal axis to separate a biological fluid mixture into at least two concentric stratified constituent layers
Data Source
AI summary
A separation syringe assembly comprising a syringe barrel assembly and a plunger assembly, the syringe barrel assembly having an outer wall in the form of a hollow cylinder, and a cap provided at the distal end of the syringe barrel assembly; the plunger assembly providing a first plunger and a second plunger, the first plunger is a hollow barrel enclosed to form a container, the second plunger provides a cylindrical body with an open distal end and concentrically aligned outside of the first plunger. The separation syringe is configured to be rotated about the longitudinal axis and thereby separate the contents within the hollow cylinder of the syringe barrel assembly into at least two concentric annular layers.