Blood Separation Tube with Tapered Observation and Sealed PRP Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating blood components require significant user skill and are prone to contamination, making them unsuitable for less experienced users.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tapered observation tube, movable plunger, multiple seals, adjustable punch, and a cannula for safe filling and extraction, along with a venting device to prevent contamination and ensure precise separation of blood components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blood separation methods are used, then blood components can be separated, but the process requires considerable user skill and is prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three distinct chambers (lower chamber for red blood cells, observation tube for platelet-rich plasma, and upper chamber for other components) that are pre-configured to guide the separation process. This segmentation eliminates the need for users to manually determine separation boundaries, reducing both skill requirements and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-filled with anticoagulant and the chamber geometry is pre-designed to achieve optimal separation during centrifugation. The observation tube is pre-positioned to align with the expected platelet-rich plasma layer, eliminating the need for post-centrifugation manipulation and reducing contamination risk.
2Measurement precision
If a movable plunger is added to shift blood separations, then platelet-rich plasma detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plunger serves multiple functions: it shifts blood separations to align the platelet-rich plasma layer with the observation tube for detection, it can compress the blood sample to improve separation, and it can be used to expel excess fluid. This multi-functionality justifies the added mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing devices are installed to prevent contamination, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are integrated into the plunger assembly and chamber interfaces. The plunger incorporates both movement and sealing functions in a single component, while the chamber designs combine sealing surfaces with structural support elements, reducing the number of separate sealing components needed.
4Reliability
If a permanently installed cannula is used for filling and extraction, then contamination is prevented, but adaptability for different filling methods is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The permanently installed cannula acts as an intermediary connection point that allows various filling methods (syringe injection, direct connection to blood collection bag, gravity feed) to interface with the sealed chamber system without compromising sterility. The cannula's standardized design accommodates different connection types while maintaining the closed system.
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
Enables easy, contamination-free separation of blood components, suitable for less skilled users, with improved detection and yield of platelet-rich plasma.
Implementation Method 1
It is already known to separate the blood from the patient's blood by centrifugation
Implementation Method 2
A visible separation of the three components of blood can be achieved by a device according to claim 1
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Device for separating blood, wherein a sample tube with three sections, namely a lower chamber, an observation tube and an upper chamber, is provided, and a method for separating blood with such a device, wherein blood is filled into the device, then centrifuged, so that red blood cells, platelet-rich plasma and leukocytes are separated from each other.