Blood Separation Pump Rate Control via Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for blood component separation and processing face challenges in dynamically adjusting fluid pump rates in response to pressure changes, which can lead to inefficiencies and prolonged procedure times, particularly during leukoreduction and fluid flush phases.
Innovation Solution
A system with a reusable separation apparatus equipped with a pressure sensor and an adjustable pump, controlled by a controller that adjusts flow rates based on pre-determined pressure thresholds, allowing for dynamic adjustments during different phases of the fluid processing procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed pump rate is used during blood component separation, then the system operation is simple, but the procedure time is prolonged and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pump rate is changed from a fixed value to a dynamically adjustable parameter based on real-time pressure feedback. The controller continuously monitors pressure sensor readings and adjusts the pump rate accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions during different procedure phases (leukoreduction, fluid flush, etc.), thereby improving productivity without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor provides real-time feedback to the controller, which then adjusts the pump rate based on the detected pressure levels. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic optimization of fluid flow rates during different procedure phases, resolving the contradiction by making the system responsive to actual conditions while maintaining automated control
2Productivity
If high pump rates are used to reduce procedure time, then productivity increases, but filter pressure increases causing hemolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors filter pressure and provides feedback to the controller. When pressure approaches thresholds that could cause hemolysis, the controller automatically reduces the pump rate, preventing harmful effects while maintaining optimal procedure speed. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing productivity with patient safety
Solution Approach 2:
The pump rate parameter is dynamically adjusted based on real-time pressure conditions. During low-pressure phases, higher pump rates are used to increase productivity; when pressure rises, the pump rate is reduced to prevent hemolysis. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making procedure speed contingent on safe operating conditions
3Productivity
If pump rate is dynamically adjusted based on pressure, then procedure efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of pump rates based on its own pressure sensor readings without requiring external intervention. The controller automatically interprets pressure feedback and modifies pump operation accordingly, enabling the system to optimize its own performance while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
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
This solution enables efficient fluid management by maintaining low filter pressures, reducing procedure time, and minimizing hemolysis, while allowing for variable and gradual pressure gradients, thereby improving the overall efficiency and safety of blood component separation and processing.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor and a pump having an adjustable flow rate in communication with the controller... when the pressure sensor detects a first measured pressure value... when the pressure sensor detects a second measured pressure value
Implementation Method 2
the pump is configured to pump fluid through the fluid flow path... pump fluid through the fluid flow path at a first pre-determined pump rate... pump fluid through the fluid flow path at a second pre-determined pump rate
Data Source
AI summary
The pressure of fluid being conveyed through a fluid flow path during a biological fluid procedure is detected during the procedure. The fluid is conveyed through the fluid flow path 1) at a first pre-determined rate if pressure is zero to a first pressure threshold; 2) at the first pre-determined rate if pressure is greater than the first pressure threshold but less than or equal to a second pressure threshold and if an immediately preceding rate is equal to the first pre-determined rate; 3) at a second pre-determined rate if pressure is greater than the first pressure threshold but less than or equal to the second pressure threshold and if an immediately preceding rate is equal to the second pre-determined rate; and 4) at the second pre-determined rate if pressure value is greater than the second pressure threshold but less than or equal to a third pressure threshold.