Centrifugation Chamber Deflector Shields for Layer Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current centrifugation processes for separating biological samples, such as blood, face challenges in achieving high processing speed and separation quality due to remixing of layers during draining, which is exacerbated by the complexity of manufacturing centrifugation chambers with shields against the direction of centrifugation, leading to low liquid removal speeds and poor separation quality.
Innovation Solution
The centrifugation chamber incorporates input/output ports with flat-shaped deflectors, strategically located on the base and cover plates, which shield the openings from the centrifugal force, reducing unwanted remixing of layers and allowing for higher draining speeds while maintaining the integrity of the separation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If shields are located against the direction of centrifugation to prevent remixing, then separation quality is improved, but liquid removal speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional placement of deflectors by positioning them with the centrifugal force direction instead of against it. This allows liquid to be removed rapidly through the openings while the deflector geometry (extending radially outward) prevents remixing of separated layers, thus resolving the contradiction between separation quality and liquid removal speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the deflector, specifically its width (1/10 to 1/60 of the inner circumference) and orientation (parallel to the cylinder surface), which allows it to effectively block remixing while minimizing obstruction to liquid flow in the direction of centrifugation
2Productivity
If draining speed is increased to improve processing speed, then productivity is improved, but remixing of layers occurs reducing separation quality
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning deflectors with the centrifugal force direction and extending them radially outward, the system can handle high draining speeds without remixing. The deflector orientation creates a physical barrier that prevents layers from mixing even under high flow conditions, enabling both high productivity and maintained separation quality
3Manufacturing precision
If centrifugation chamber has complex shield structure to prevent remixing, then separation quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a complex overall shield structure, the patent applies simple deflector elements locally at specific openings in the base plate or cover plate. Each deflector is a straightforward geometric component that provides the necessary protection against remixing at its location without adding global structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protection against remixing is segmented into multiple simple deflector elements positioned at different openings, rather than using a single complex shield structure. This segmentation allows each component to be simple while the collective system achieves the separation quality goal
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 use of deflectors in the centrifugation chamber enhances the separation process by enabling faster and more efficient removal of layers with reduced cell losses, achieving higher purity and processing speed, making it suitable for medical applications like isolating specific cell populations for regenerative medicine.
Implementation Method 1
Fractionation and separation of cells from suspensions like blood or bone marrow is becoming more and more part of medical treatment... Fractionation and separation of cell suspensions by centrifugation is long known in the art to separate samples of biological origin into two or more components
Implementation Method 2
at least one flat-shaped deflector located on the tube and on the base plate or the cover plate having a surface substantially parallel with the cylinder and a width at its base of at most 1/10 of the inner circumference of the cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention is directed to a centrifuge chamber for separating a sample into at least two components, comprising a cylinder having a base plate and a cover plate, and a rotational axis with at least one port for input and/or output of sample, the port being connected to a tube (2, 3) located on or in the base plate and/or cover plate and the tube having one or more openings into the centrifuge chamber, wherein at least one opening of the tube is provided with at least one flat-shaped deflector having a surface substantially parallel with the cylinder and a width at its base of at most 1/10 of the inner circumference of the cylinder.