Component Separator for Blood Purity via Segmented Centrifugal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for separating blood and stem cell components are complex, time-consuming, prone to contamination, and inefficient, especially in extracting high-purity stem cells due to mixing of components during the separation process.
Innovation Solution
A component separator with a hollow main body, plunger, and operation member featuring opposite thread directions and offset parts to minimize mixing, ensuring purity and preventing air contamination, allowing for efficient separation of blood components and stem cells by varying the main body space and using a centrifuge for layer-by-layer separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional extraction methods are used to separate stem cells, then stem cells can be extracted, but the process is complex, time-consuming, and prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into multiple functional sections: an upper separation chamber where centrifugal separation occurs, and a lower collection chamber where separated components are collected. This segmentation allows different operations (separation and collection) to occur in distinct zones, simplifying the overall process while maintaining high purity through controlled component discharge
Solution Approach 2:
A one-way valve is introduced as an intermediary component that allows plasma to flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber during centrifugal separation, but prevents backflow and contamination. This mediator ensures unidirectional flow, maintaining purity without requiring complex sealing mechanisms
2Reliability
If conventional extraction methods are used, then components can be separated, but contamination occurs due to air pollution and instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The separator creates a closed system where the lower collection chamber is sealed and connected to the upper separation chamber through a controlled one-way valve pathway. This closed environment acts as an inert barrier, preventing ambient air and contaminants from contacting the separated blood components during the extraction process
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor of air contamination is extracted from the system by designing a closed separation and collection mechanism. The one-way valve system allows necessary fluid flow while excluding external contaminants, effectively removing the contamination pathway from the extraction process
3Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used, then stem cells can be extracted, but the process takes a lot of time
Solution Approach 1:
The blood sample is pre-treated by centrifugal separation in the upper chamber before collection, creating distinct layers of separated components. This preliminary separation action allows for rapid, automated collection of specific components (plasma, buffy coat, red blood cells) in the lower chamber, eliminating time-consuming manual separation steps and significantly reducing total extraction time
4Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used, then components can be separated, but efficiency varies considerably by extracting persons
Solution Approach 1:
The separator performs the separation function automatically through centrifugal force and controlled one-way valve mechanisms. The device self-regulates the flow of plasma from the upper to lower chamber during centrifugal separation, eliminating the need for operator skill in controlling separation parameters. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent extraction efficiency regardless of operator experience
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 component separator reduces separation time and costs, ensures high-purity extraction of PRP and PPP, prevents air contamination, and facilitates the extraction of high-purity stem cells, reducing treatment costs and complications.
Implementation Method 1
separating the blood components layer by layer using a centrifuge
Implementation Method 2
separating the body fluid components layer by layer using difference in specific gravity between cells
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a component separator capable of guaranteeing the purity of a subject component such as isolated blood or stem cells while simplifying a process compared with a conventional technique, and preventing air contamination during a component separation process, the component separator comprising: a hollow main body having a communication pipe, through which a body fluid communicates, formed at one end portion, and a main body female screw part disposed at the other end portion; a plunger for varying a main body space while moving forward and backward inside the main body; and an operation member having a pressing tube having a pressing male screw part capable of being screwed with the main body female screw part, and a plunger coupling tube having a tube screw screwed with a plunger screw part at the lower part of the plunger by coming into contact with or retracting from the inside of the pressing tube.