Centrifugal Blood Processor with Multi-Cell Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood separation technologies face challenges in efficiently processing multiple discrete volumes of blood with varying component proportions and temperatures, leading to potential temperature-related issues and inefficient processing order determination.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal blood separation device equipped with temperature sensors and a microprocessor-controlled system that monitors and adjusts temperature, predicts processing times, and optimizes the order of processing based on temperature readings, while using pressure and optical sensors to accurately separate and transfer blood components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple discrete volumes of blood are processed simultaneously without temperature monitoring, then processing throughput is increased, but temperature-related damage may occur to the blood components
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors in each separation cell that continuously monitor blood temperature during processing. The microprocessor receives this temperature data and uses it to control cooling mechanisms, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents temperature-related damage while maintaining high processing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on temperature readings. When temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds, the microprocessor modifies processing conditions (such as cooling activation or processing sequence) to prevent damage, allowing optimal throughput without compromising blood component integrity
2Ease of operation
If blood units are processed in arbitrary order, then device operation is simplified, but processing efficiency is reduced due to inconsistent thermal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature assessment of all blood units before processing begins. The microprocessor uses this advance temperature information to determine the optimal processing sequence, prioritizing warmer units that require more urgent cooling. This preliminary action enables efficient processing without complicating device operation
Solution Approach 2:
The processing order is dynamically determined based on real-time temperature data rather than being fixed or arbitrary. The microprocessor continuously monitors temperature and adjusts the processing sequence accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions while maintaining operational simplicity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If temperature monitoring and control systems are added to the blood processor, then temperature-related damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor serves multiple functions: it controls the centrifugal separation process, monitors temperature from multiple sensors, determines processing sequence, activates cooling mechanisms, and predicts processing times. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single intelligent controller, the system prevents temperature damage without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own temperature monitoring data to automatically control its cooling mechanisms and processing sequence without external intervention. The microprocessor self-regulates temperature management based on sensor feedback, reducing the need for additional complex external control systems
4Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to predict component volume, then measurement accuracy is improved, but temperature variations cause sensor calibration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature sensor feedback to compensate for temperature-induced calibration drift in pressure sensors. The microprocessor receives both temperature and pressure data, and uses the temperature information to correct pressure readings, maintaining reliable component volume measurements despite temperature variations during processing
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 effectively prevents temperature-related damage, optimizes processing efficiency by prioritizing warmer units, and accurately predicts and manages the volume of separated components, ensuring reliable and efficient multi-unit blood processing.
Implementation Method 1
A centrifugal blood separation device capable of processing a plurality of blood units at the same time
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for centrifugal blood component separation including temperature sensing in each of a plurality of separation cells. The temperature of unit of bloods over time is recorded. If the temperature of any of the units exceeds a pre-determined maximum, portions of the blood separation device may be cooled. A controller may determine which of the units to process first, generally proceeding from the warmest unit to the coolest. The order of unit processing may be changed during processing. The detected temperature may be used to calibrate a pressure sensor used to predict the volume of a component separated from a composite fluid by predicting the volume of the composite fluid from sensed pressure and predicting the volume of other separated components from sensed movement of the other components to collection bags.