Cell Separation Disc Valve Thermal Control via Pressing Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell separation disc devices face challenges in accurately and smoothly operating valves due to inadequate heat transfer, which affects the separation of target cells such as circulating tumor cells.
Innovation Solution
A cell separation control apparatus featuring a separation disc with a printed circuit board and pressing parts that transfer heat to valves in channels, using thermoplastic resin or phase transition materials like wax, to ensure proper opening and closing of valves through controlled heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat is transferred to the valve made of wax or phase transition material, then the valve operation (opening/closing) is enabled, but the heat transfer is inadequate causing error in valve operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressing part as an intermediary component between the heating terminal and the valve. This pressing part applies pressure to improve thermal contact, acting as a mediator that enhances heat transfer from the heating terminal to the valve made of wax or phase transition material, thereby resolving the inadequate heat transfer issue while maintaining reliable valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of pressure by introducing a pressing part that applies force to the interface between the heating terminal and the valve. This parameter change (applying pressure) improves the thermal contact and heat transfer efficiency, enabling accurate heat-mediated valve operation without energy loss.
2Ease of operation
If a valve made of wax or phase transition material is used in the channel, then the valve can be controlled by heat, but heat is not properly transferred causing operational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing part serves as an intermediary that ensures proper thermal contact between the heating terminal and the heat-responsive valve. By applying pressure, it mediates the heat transfer process, making the heat-based valve control reliable and accurate.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing part is configured to apply pressure before and during the heating process, preparing the thermal interface in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when heat is applied to control the valve, the heat transfer is immediate and accurate, preventing operational errors.
3Device complexity
If the heating terminal is simply placed near the valve, then the structure is simple, but heat transfer is insufficient for accurate valve operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing part is a relatively simple intermediary component that bridges the heating terminal and the valve. It adds minimal structural complexity while dramatically improving heat transfer reliability, ensuring accurate valve operation without significantly complicating the heating structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive thermal contact (simple placement) with active mechanical pressure application. The pressing part uses mechanical force to ensure optimal thermal contact, substituting the insufficient passive heat transfer mechanism with an active mechanically-enhanced heat transfer 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
This solution enables reliable and efficient separation of target cells by ensuring accurate heat transfer to the valves, improving the operation of the separation disc and enhancing the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
heating terminals configured to transfer heat to valves in channels that connect the plurality of chambers
Implementation Method 2
pressing parts provided on the printed circuit board and configured to transfer heat from the heating terminals to the valves by pressing the heating terminals toward the valves
Implementation Method 3
separation disc having a plurality of chambers and configured to separate a target material from a sample by means of a centrifugal force generated by a rotation
Implementation Method 4
the valve is generally made of wax or the like that reacts with heat
Data Source
AI summary
A cell separation control apparatus may include a separation disc having a plurality of chambers and configured to separate a target material from a sample by means of a centrifugal force generated by a rotation, a printed circuit board coupled to the separation disc and having heating terminals configured to transfer heat to valves in channels that connect the plurality of chambers of the separation disc, and a plurality of pressing parts provided on the printed circuit board and configured to transfer heat from the heating terminals to the valves by pressing the heating terminals toward the valves.