Automated Centrifugal Component Separation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating specific components, such as white blood cells from whole blood, are prone to operator skill variability and contamination due to manual handling, leading to inconsistent yields.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus with a rotating substrate and channel valves using phase change materials, which separates components by centrifugal force and isolates specific layers for extraction, reducing manual intervention and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual injection and extraction methods are used, then the separation process can be performed with simple equipment, but the yield consistency and purity are affected by operator skill level
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated fluid handling. The injection unit automatically injects the density gradient medium and sample, the centrifugal separation unit automatically separates layers, and the extraction unit automatically extracts the target layer. This eliminates dependence on operator skill while maintaining consistent yield and purity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations (injection, centrifugation, extraction) are replaced by an automated mechanical system. The injection unit uses automated dispensing mechanisms, the centrifugal separation unit employs a rotating rotor with controlled speed, and the extraction unit utilizes automated pipetting mechanisms, all replacing manual mechanical operations to ensure consistency.
2Reliability
If manual extraction is used, then the device complexity is low, but contamination risk increases during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains purity through self-service automated operations that minimize human contact with samples. The closed-system design with automated injection, separation, and extraction reduces contamination risk while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces automated mechanical intermediaries (injection needle, centrifugal rotor, extraction mechanism) that act as mediators between the operator and the sample. These intermediaries eliminate direct manual contact with the sample, reducing contamination risk while the system integrates these functions to control overall complexity.
3Reliability
If automated injection and extraction are implemented, then operator skill variability is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into an integrated apparatus. The injection unit, centrifugal separation unit, and extraction unit are combined into a single system that processes samples continuously. This integration reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate manual operations for each function while maintaining separation consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs multiple functions through a unified design. The same automated mechanisms handle injection, centrifugal separation, and extraction across different sample types and target components. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by using standardized automated components rather than specialized equipment for each operation.
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
The apparatus ensures consistent separation of specific components regardless of operator skill, minimizing contamination and improving the reliability of the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
a main chamber to receive a sample separated into a plurality of layers by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of layers are formed in the tube 10 according to components due to density difference
Implementation Method 3
The valve material includes a phase change material, which is in a solid state at room temperature and is in a liquid state when supplied with energy
Implementation Method 4
The apparatus may further comprise micro heating particles dispersed in the phase change material and producing heat when supplied with energy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for separating components and a method of separating components using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a main chamber which contains a sample that is separated into a plurality of layers by a centrifugal force; a component separating chamber which is connected to the main chamber, and receives a specific layer including specific components among the plurality of layers; a first channel which connects the component separating chamber to the main chamber; and a first channel valve which is disposed in the first channel to control a liquid flowing through the first channel.