Disposable Blood Filter with Superabsorbent Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood processing methods require expensive and cumbersome equipment, and there is a need for a convenient, cost-effective solution for blood concentration and component separation, especially in resource-limited environments, while also addressing concerns about hospital infections and the efficiency of blood recovery post-surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A disposable blood processing device using a container with a separation or filtration member and superabsorbent material that selectively separates and filters blood components, reducing fluid volume and producing a stabilized waste product, which can be used in conjunction with an orbital shaker for enhanced efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a suction system and centrifuge device are used to concentrate blood, then blood concentration is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable filter unit that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex centrifuge equipment. The filter unit contains all necessary filtration components in a pre-assembled, single-use configuration that can be disposed of after one blood processing procedure, significantly reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining effective blood concentration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous filtration membranes with specific pore sizes to separate blood components. These porous materials enable passive filtration of blood based on size exclusion, allowing red blood cells to pass through while retaining larger aggregates and contaminants, thereby achieving blood concentration without requiring mechanical centrifugal force
2Quantity of substance
If a suction system and centrifuge device are used to concentrate blood, then blood concentration is improved, but maintenance cost and equipment availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable filter unit is designed for single-use and then discarded, eliminating all maintenance requirements. Each unit is pre-manufactured and sterilized, ready for immediate use without requiring calibration, cleaning, or repair. This approach transforms a complex, maintenance-intensive system into a simple, maintenance-free solution that can be deployed in resource-limited settings
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The passive filtration mechanism requires no external power source, control systems, or operator intervention beyond initial blood introduction. The unit automatically performs filtration and concentration based on the pressure gradient created by gravity or mild suction, making it exceptionally easy to manufacture and deploy
3Device complexity
If passive filtration is used without external force, then device simplicity is improved, but processing speed and efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an orbital shaker that applies mechanical vibration to the filter unit during operation. This vibration enhances the filtration process by preventing clogging of the porous membrane, maintaining flow rates, and improving the separation efficiency of blood components. The mechanical vibration acts on the fluid-borne particles to enhance their interaction with the filtration surface, thereby increasing processing efficiency without adding complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed to work with a simple suction system that creates a pressure gradient across the filtration membrane. This pneumatic approach uses pressure differential rather than complex mechanical systems to drive blood through the filter. The hydraulic design allows passive filtration to proceed efficiently by optimizing flow paths and pressure distribution across the porous materials
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 device effectively reduces blood volume by 20-80% without external force, produces a stabilized waste product, and improves processing efficiency when used with agitation, making it suitable for resource-limited settings and enhancing blood recovery post-surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a superabsorbent material capable of absorbing the at least one component separated from the fluid
Implementation Method 2
the at least one component separated or filtered from the fluid may be permanently removed or retained by a superabsorbent material
Implementation Method 3
a separation or filtration member capable of selectively separating or filtering at least one component from the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, and method for separating components of a fluid, e.g. blood, which eliminates the need for expensive hardware and produces a stabilized waste product. The system comprises an apparatus or device (V) for separating components of a fluid (15′) comprising a container (5′) having at least one separation or filtration member (10′) capable of selectively separating or filtering at least one component from the fluid, and a superabsorbent material (20′) capable of absorbing the at least one component separated from the fluid, and thereby providing a processed fluid free or substantially free of said at least one component; and agitation means.