Centrifugal Valve Liquid Sample Collection and Separation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting and handling liquid samples, particularly blood, are cumbersome, prone to contamination, and lack the ability to portion samples into partial volumes, requiring additional equipment like pumps or filters, and often necessitate separate tools for separation and processing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tubular container having a permanently open end and a valve actuated by centrifugal force, allowing for the separation of liquid samples into components by centrifugation, with an interface for connecting to dispensing or aspirating devices for further manipulation of the sample components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a capillary device with porous plug is used to obtain and eject samples, then the volume withdrawn is limited and the capillary end is kept clean, but additional means such as pump or piston or syringe are necessary to obtain and manipulate the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the capillary sample collection function with a centrifugal separation device into a single integrated system. The capillary leads directly into the separation chamber, eliminating the need for separate pumps or syringes to transfer samples between containers. The centrifugal force generated during separation automatically drives the sample through the capillary and into the separation chamber, merging multiple functions (sample collection, transport, and separation) into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the sample's own properties and the applied centrifugal force to drive sample collection and separation without external pumps. The capillary action and centrifugal force work together to automatically draw the sample through the system and separate components, making the system self-operating once initiated.
2Ease of operation
If open capillaries are used for sample collection, then the handling is simpler, but the sample and surroundings are prone to contamination and pose problems with infectious materials
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary is nested within a protective outer housing that forms a closed system. The capillary leads into a sealed separation chamber, creating a nested structure where the sample remains contained within the capillary and chamber throughout the process. This nested design maintains ease of handling while eliminating exposure to the environment, preventing contamination and containing infectious materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The device creates a closed, isolated environment for sample handling and separation. By sealing the capillary within a protective housing and connection system, the sample is kept in an inert, controlled environment that prevents contamination from the surroundings and contains any infectious materials throughout the entire process.
3Ease of operation
If a Minivette with piston is used to eject sample, then the sample can be delivered, but delivery of parts of the capillary volumes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The separation chamber is divided into distinct compartments by partition walls, creating segmented zones for different sample components. This segmentation allows selective access to different portions of the separated sample volume. The piston can be positioned to access only specific compartments, enabling delivery of partial volumes rather than requiring ejection of the entire sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston is designed with movable, adjustable positioning rather than fixed placement. This dynamic design allows the piston to be repositioned to access different volumes and compartments of the separated sample, providing versatility in sample delivery. The piston can be moved to deliver partial volumes or selectively access different separated components based on the specific analytical needs.
4Quantity of substance
If centrifugation is performed in a standard centrifuge with separate pipetting, then plasma or serum can be obtained, but the procedure requires presence of lab centrifuge and qualified technician
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the centrifugal separation function with the sample collection capillary into a single integrated device. The separation chamber is built directly into the capillary assembly, eliminating the need for separate centrifuge equipment and manual pipetting steps. The entire process from sample collection to separation can be performed with the integrated device alone, removing the requirement for lab centrifuges and qualified technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs both sample collection and separation automatically through centrifugal force without requiring external equipment or skilled operation. Once the sample is loaded into the capillary and the device is activated, the centrifugal force automatically separates the components in the separation chamber, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for lab technicians to perform manual pipetting and separation operations.
5Reliability
If thixotropic gel or filter insert is used for phase separation, then separation stability is increased and centrifugation time is reduced, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls are integrated directly into the separation chamber structure of the capillary device, merging the separation function with the collection system. This eliminates the need for separate gel or filter insert components while maintaining stable phase separation. The partition walls provide structural separation that is as reliable as gel-based methods but without requiring additional consumable components.
6Quantity of substance
If hollow fiber membrane with tangential flow is used for filtration, then plasma can be separated from cells, but considerable apparatus effort is required and dead volume limits use to large sample volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The separation chamber is segmented into distinct compartments by partition walls, creating discrete zones for cellular and plasma fractions. This segmentation allows efficient separation in a compact volume without the large dead volumes associated with hollow fiber membranes. The segmented design enables complete processing of small sample volumes with minimal apparatus complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the complex mechanical hollow fiber membrane system with a simpler centrifugal separation mechanism using partition walls. Instead of requiring tangential flow through membrane pores, the system uses centrifugal force to separate phases against the partition walls, eliminating the need for complex membrane apparatus and reducing dead volume to enable processing of small samples.
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 contamination-free handling and separation of liquid samples into different components, allowing for direct and easy manipulation of partial volumes without the need for additional equipment, reducing the risk of contamination and infection.
Implementation Method 1
a valve located in said tubular container and being actuated by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
separating said liquid sample into different components by centrifugal force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for collecting and/or handling a liquid sample and for separating said liquid sample into different components. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an insert for a centrifuge to be used with the device, to a centrifuge, comprising such insert and to a method of separating a liquid sample into components.