Automated Pneumatic Device for Point-of-Care Cell Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual methods for concentrating Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Poor Plasma (PPP) through hollow fiber devices are laborious and cumbersome due to the need for repetitive motions to create a pressure gradient, leading to operator fatigue and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated device using pneumatic force to sequentially push plungers in syringes connected via a concentrator, allowing for coordinated movement and concentration of therapeutic fluids without manual effort, maintaining the existing disposable device design and operating principle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to pump fluid through the hollow fiber device, then the fluid can be concentrated, but the operator experiences fatigue and the process becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pumping system with an automated pneumatic system. The pneumatic device uses compressed gas to automatically advance and retract plungers in syringes, eliminating the need for manual pressing motions. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated pneumatic actuation directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining fluid concentration capability while eliminating operator fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic system enables the device to perform the pumping action autonomously without continuous human intervention. Once the pneumatic device is activated, it automatically cycles the plungers to push fluid through the hollow fiber concentrator, allowing the system to serve itself in performing the repetitive pumping task that previously required manual effort.
2Manufacturing precision
If repetitive manual motions are used to create pressure gradient, then fluid dewatering is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system enables continuous automated operation of the plungers, eliminating the interruptions and repetitive start-stop motions inherent in manual operation. The pneumatic device can continuously cycle the plungers to maintain a steady pressure gradient across the hollow fiber concentrator, achieving continuous fluid dewatering without the time losses associated with manual repositioning and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure to automatically generate and maintain the pressure gradient required for fluid dewatering. Instead of relying on manual pressing motions, compressed gas is used to actuate the plungers, creating a controlled and sustained pressure differential that drives fluid through the hollow fiber membrane efficiently and without time loss.
3Extent of automation
If automated pneumatic system is implemented, then operator fatigue is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic device serves as an intermediary component that bridges the control system and the fluid handling syringes. Rather than directly complicating the fluid path, the pneumatic system acts as a separate actuation layer that automatically controls the plungers, achieving automation while keeping the fluid handling pathway relatively simple and maintaining compatibility with existing syringe-based disposable devices.
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 automated system reduces operator fatigue and enhances the efficiency of fluid concentration by providing a controlled process for multiple cycles, effectively concentrating therapeutic fluids while maintaining sterility and minimizing cell viability loss.
Implementation Method 1
the pneumatic mechanism will push the plungers in sequence to force the fluid from one syringe to the other
Implementation Method 2
uses pressure as the motive force for driving PRP or PPP (segregated from blood/BMA via centrifugation) through a filter constructed of hollow fibers
Implementation Method 3
The concentration of various growth factors and proteins with a potential therapeutic benefit in PRP and PPP reflects that found in the plasma or bone marrow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a device for the concentration of fluids comprising a donor receptacle containing a fluid to be concentrated, the donor receptacle comprising a plunger; a receiving receptacle to receive the concentrated fluid, the receiving receptacle comprising a plunger; a concentrator device that is connected to the donor receptacle and the receiving receptacle; and a housing that encloses the donor and receiving receptacles and the concentrator device that the plungers of the donor and receiving receptacles are enclosed within chambers that are gas tight.