Blood Centrifuge Optical Interface Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood separation technologies, particularly centrifuges, face challenges in consistently and effectively separating white blood cells from platelets in the buffy coat layer due to limitations in controlling particle separation and fluid flow dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A blood component separation apparatus with a rotor for centrifugal separation, equipped with optical sensing and image processing to control fluid flow and interface positioning within the separation chamber, allowing for precise adjustment of rotor speed and pump rates to maintain optimal separation conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If centrifugal force is used to separate blood components, then separation of red blood cells and plasma is achieved, but consistent separation of white blood cells from platelets in the buffy coat layer cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts rotor speed and pump flow rate during the separation process. The rotor speed is varied to change centrifugal force, and the pump flow rate is adjusted to control the elutriation boundary position, enabling adaptive control of the separation process to consistently achieve white blood cell and platelet separation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical detection to monitor the position of the buffy coat layer and elutriation boundary in real-time. This feedback information is used to adjust rotor speed and pump flow rate, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures consistent and reliable separation of white blood cells from platelets
2Manufacturing precision
If optical sensing and image processing are added to control interface positioning, then separation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of light sources and detectors that non-invasively monitor the separation process. This intermediary measurement system enables precise control of the interface position without mechanically interfering with the separation process, achieving high precision while maintaining relative system simplicity
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 apparatus achieves stable and accurate control of the interface between blood components, enabling efficient separation of white blood cells and platelets by monitoring light intensity and using image processing techniques to detect and adjust the interface location in real-time, improving the quality of the collected blood products.
Implementation Method 1
The centrifuge rotates a blood separation vessel to separate components within the vessel or reservoir using centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
controls the position of boundaries by adjusting the speed of pumps or the rotor or both... monitoring light intensity and using image processing techniques to detect and adjust the interface location
Data Source
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AI summary
A density centrifuge blood processing system comprising a separation chamber rotating about a central rotation axis, the separation chamber having an outflow passage, a light source in optical communication with the density centrifuge blood processing system, the light source providing an incident light beam for illuminating an observation region and a viewing region on the outflow passage, a first detector for the separation chamber to detect light from the observation region, a second detector for the outflow passage, a computational apparatus distinguishing one or more phase boundaries in the observation region and distinguishing fluid composition in the viewing region as a function of light intensity received from the viewing region, and a controller regulating speed of at least one pump or of said separation chamber in response to signals from the computational apparatus.