Blood Transfusion Device with Optical Red Blood Cell Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood transfusion systems face challenges in efficiently controlling the supply of red blood cells to patients, as gravity sedimentation in collection tanks leads to stratification, resulting in supernatant reaching the patient, which is not intended for infusion.
Innovation Solution
A device with a detection system using luminous radiation to measure optical density for determining red blood cell concentration, coupled with an electric motor and roller mechanism to selectively open or close the duct, ensuring only red blood cells are infused by blocking supernatant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravity sedimentation is used in the blood collection tank, then red blood cells separate from supernatant, but supernatant reaches the patient which is not intended for infusion
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary detection of red blood cell concentration in the blood flow before infusion. The detection means measure the concentration continuously, and when the concentration is insufficient (supernatant detected), the fastening means are activated in advance to close the duct, preventing supernatant from reaching the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements a feedback control system where detection means continuously monitor red blood cell concentration in the blood flow, and based on this feedback, the fastening means automatically adjust the duct closure state. When concentration drops below a threshold, the system responds by closing the duct to block supernatant.
2Reliability
If manual monitoring of red blood cell concentration is performed, then patient safety is maintained, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-monitoring and self-control of blood transfusion. The detection means automatically detect red blood cell concentration, and the fastening means automatically respond to close or open the duct based on detected values, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical monitoring with an automated detection system that uses optical or other sensing means to measure red blood cell concentration. This substitution of manual operations with automated detection simplifies the overall system while maintaining or improving reliability.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of red blood cell concentration is implemented, then supernatant is prevented from reaching the patient, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of truly continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic detection at critical points in the blood flow. The detection means measure concentration at intervals, and the fastening means respond when thresholds are exceeded, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective prevention of supernatant infusion.
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
Effectively prevents supernatant from reaching the patient by accurately detecting and controlling the concentration of red blood cells, optimizing the transfusion process and ensuring only the desired blood components are delivered.
Implementation Method 1
detect the concentration of red blood cells in the blood conveyed by the duct (2) by means of a detection performed on the tank (1) proper or on the duct (2) in output from such tank
Implementation Method 2
gravity sedimentation of the blood occurs in the collection tank and thus over time a stratification is created which is determined by the different specific weight of the components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device for controlling the supply of red blood cells to a patient in a transfusion line, comprising a blood collection tank (1) connected by means of a duct (2) to a tank (3) for infusion to the patient or directly to the patient, the device being provided with means (9, 10) that are adapted to detect the concentration of red blood cells in the blood contained in the collection tank (1) by way of a detection performed on the tank or on the duct (2) that connects the collection tank (1) to the tank (3) for infusion to the patient or directly to the patient, these detection means being adapted to actuate fastening means (14, 15, 16, 17) that are adapted to selectively close and open the duct (2) in output from the collection tank (1) so as to block or respectively allow the passage of the liquid flow through it, the detection means adapted to detect the concentration of red blood cells in the blood contained in the collection tank (1) being adapted to measure the degree of absorption of a luminous radiation that passes through the blood.