Flow-Through Sampling Cap with Occluder for Apheresis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling systems for apheresis procedures require offline manual sampling and are labor-intensive due to the need for manual manipulations, making them inefficient for collecting and analyzing blood components like plasma during the process.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through sampling system that includes a cap with an occluder to reduce mixing within the sample tube and a vent channel with a bacteriostatic filter, allowing for in-line collection of blood components during the apheresis process, enabling fluid to be sampled as it passes through the system and stored in a plasma storage bottle, thereby reducing manual handling and ensuring representative sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a stopple-based injection site is used for sampling, then the sampling process is simple in structure, but the sampling must be completed offline and after product transfer to laboratory, resulting in loss of time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is prepared in advance with pre-attached sample tubes and pre-configured flow paths. The occluder is pre-positioned to control fluid flow. This preliminary setup enables immediate sampling during the apheresis procedure without requiring post-procedure preparation or manual manipulations, thus reducing time loss while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
A sampling cap with integrated flow control features acts as an intermediary component between the main apheresis system and sample collection vessels. This intermediary device enables automated in-line sampling during the procedure, bridging the gap between simple structure and efficient time-based sampling by providing a pre-configured sampling interface
2Device complexity
If manual sampling manipulations are required, then the sampling system structure remains simple, but the process becomes labor intensive and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is designed to perform sampling operations automatically during the apheresis procedure. The occluder automatically controls fluid flow into the sample tube, and the system self-regulates the sampling process without requiring manual manipulations. This self-service capability eliminates labor-intensive operations while maintaining simple structural design, thereby improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling process is integrated into the continuous flow of the apheresis procedure. Fluid flows continuously through the sampling system, and sampling occurs continuously during plasma collection rather than requiring discrete manual intervention steps. This continuous operation eliminates idle time and manual manipulation breaks, improving productivity while keeping the system structurally simple
3Speed
If fluid flows directly into the sample tube, then the sampling process is fast, but excessive mixing occurs within the tube, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The occluder creates localized flow control zones within the sampling system. By positioning the occluder to impinge flow at specific locations, it creates controlled mixing zones and non-mixing zones. This local quality differentiation allows fast overall fluid flow while protecting the sample tube from excessive mixing, thereby maintaining sample representativeness and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The occluder acts as an intermediary element between the incoming fluid stream and the sample tube. It mediates the flow by impinging and redirecting it, creating a controlled interface that reduces direct high-velocity impact and mixing into the sample tube. This intermediary control enables fast sampling while preserving sample integrity and measurement precision
4Measurement precision
If a chamber with flow path is introduced between inflow port and sample tube, then mixing is reduced and sample representativeness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling cap is designed as a multi-functional component that integrates the chamber, flow paths, occluder, and sample tube connections into a single universal device. This chamber serves multiple functions: it directs flow, reduces mixing, and protects the sample tube. By combining multiple functions into one component, the design achieves improved sample representativeness without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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
The system allows for efficient, metered collection of a small volume percentage of fluid over time, ensuring the final sample is representative of the larger fluid volume, with reduced mixing and increased volume required to fully change the sample tube contents, enhancing the representativeness and efficiency of the sampling process.
Implementation Method 1
The vent channel may include a bacteriostatic filter that is configured to stop air flow through the bacteriostatic filter when wet
Implementation Method 2
The occluder may impinge the flow of fluid from the inflow port, thereby reducing mixing within the sample tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A flow through fluid sampling system includes a sample tube and a cap. The sample tube is configured to collect a sample of a fluid and has an open top. The cap is configured to be secured to the sample tube to close the open top. The cap includes an inflow port configured to allow fluid to enter the fluid sample tube, an outflow port configured to allow fluid to leave the sample tube.