Centrifugal Apheretic System with Nested Collection Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centrifugation techniques for separating blood components are limited in their ability to efficiently isolate specific cell types based on physical properties, such as size and density, and often require large equipment, which can be cumbersome and inefficient for miniaturization and continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal apheretic system incorporating robotic-assisted, active spinning, and hydro-cyclone centrifuge designs, which utilize centrifugal force to separate particles by size and flow rate, and include image sensors and computing nodes to control the separation and routing of blood components, allowing for precise isolation and continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional centrifugation techniques are used to separate blood components, then particles can be separated by size and density, but the equipment is large and cumbersome, making miniaturization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested centrifugal separation by placing multiple collection containers within a single rotating centrifuge chamber. Each container can be independently positioned at different radial distances from the rotation axis, allowing simultaneous separation of multiple blood components in a compact, nested arrangement that reduces overall equipment volume while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-axis centrifugation to multi-dimensional centrifugal separation by arranging collection containers at different radial positions and orientations within the rotating chamber. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows efficient separation of particles with different densities and sizes in a miniaturized format, resolving the contradiction between equipment size and separation reliability.
2Productivity
If traditional centrifugation equipment is used, then blood components can be separated, but continuous operation is inefficient and equipment is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centrifuge system into multiple independent collection containers that can be individually positioned, removed, and replaced. This segmentation enables continuous operation by allowing one container to be filled while others are being prepared or emptied, reducing overall equipment complexity while improving productivity through parallel processing of multiple blood components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the centrifuge system by allowing collection containers to be moved to different radial positions during operation. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different separation requirements and maintain continuous efficient operation without requiring complex fixed-configuration equipment, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If robotic-assisted dual needle system is used, then precise isolation of blood components is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the robotic arm with dual needles automatically performs the entire blood component isolation process without human intervention. The system autonomously positions needles, draws blood, separates components, and routes them to appropriate containers, achieving precise isolation while the automation reduces operational complexity compared to manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where image sensors monitor the blood components during separation and provide real-time information to the robotic control system. This feedback enables the robotic arm to adjust its movements and the dual needles to precisely target specific blood components, achieving high isolation precision while the automated feedback loop manages system complexity through intelligent control.
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 efficient and precise separation of blood components, including buffy coat and plasma, with the ability to return non-target components to the patient, facilitating continuous operation and potential integration with miniaturized systems for therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifuge device configured to rotate about an axis, causing particles in the biological fluid containing cells to separate in the collection container by a particle size and/or a particle flow rate
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor connected to the motorized valve and configured to capture an image of the separated particles of the biological fluid containing cells
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to an apheretic system incorporating one or more centrifuge devices. A biological fluid containing cells (or another fluid) can be obtained and directed to a centrifuge device to separate particles by a particle size and/or a flow rate. The centrifuge device can include a center-axis centrifuge, an off-center centrifuge, and/or a hydro-cyclone centrifuge device. The separated particles can be directed/drawn into either an outlet to a return or into a collection container for further testing.