Centrifuge Filter and Return Prevention Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centrifuges face challenges in effectively separating desired components from complex fluids without damaging cells, as existing methods are inefficient and often result in loss or dilution of materials, especially when dealing with cell samples.
Innovation Solution
A centrifuge design incorporating a rotary chamber with a filter and storage units, where centrifugal force separates components based on size, and a return prevention unit ensures the desired component remains stored while smaller components return to the chamber, utilizing a filter with mesh sizes ranging from 1 μm to 2000 μm to optimize separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugal force is increased to improve separation efficiency, then separation efficiency is improved, but cells may be destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
A filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotary chamber and storage unit. The filter captures desired components (such as cells) from the centrifuged mixture, allowing separation at lower centrifugal forces that preserve cell integrity while maintaining effective separation through the filtering mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The filter utilizes porous material structure with specific mesh sizes (ranging from 1 μm to 2000 μm) to physically separate components based on size. This enables effective separation without requiring high centrifugal forces that would damage cells, as the porous structure provides mechanical filtration capability
2Ease of operation
If manual separation of centrifuged layers is performed, then separation is achieved, but purity cannot be secured and materials may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic separation through centrifugal force combined with filter capture. The filter automatically captures desired components in the storage unit, eliminating the need for manual layer separation operations. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent purity and prevents material loss that occurs during manual handling
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical separation process is replaced with an automated centrifugal separation system combined with filter capture. This substitution eliminates human intervention in the separation process, thereby securing purity and preventing material loss associated with manual operations
3Ease of operation
If pipette removal of upper stacked layer is used, then separation is achieved, but dilution has to be performed due to remaining fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The filter acts as an intermediary that completely captures the desired component from the centrifuged mixture. Unlike pipette removal that leaves residual fluid, the filter efficiently transfers captured materials to the storage unit, minimizing remaining fluid and eliminating the need for dilution to compensate for loss
4Productivity
If mechanical separation of materials on outer peripheral surface is used, then separation is achieved, but it cannot be widely used for insufficient quantities or trace samples
Solution Approach 1:
The porous filter structure provides size-based separation capability that is effective regardless of sample quantity. Whether dealing with large volumes or trace cell samples, the filter's porous structure with appropriate mesh sizes captures desired components efficiently, making the system versatile across different sample scales
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates components based on physical parameters such as particle size and density that are inherent to the materials themselves, rather than requiring sufficient quantity to cover the chamber surface. This parameter-based separation mechanism enables effective separation of trace samples and adapts to various sample quantities
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 method allows for efficient separation of desired components from complex fluids, preventing smaller components from returning to the rotary chamber, thereby improving the purity and yield of the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary chamber configured to rotate so that centrifugal force acts on a substance contained in the rotary chamber
Implementation Method 2
a filter located between the storage unit and the rotary chamber and through which the certain component passes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a centrifuge including: a rotary chamber configured to rotate so that centrifugal force acts on a substance contained in the rotary chamber; a storage unit configured to store a certain component separated from the substance in the rotary chamber by the centrifugal force according to rotation of the rotary chamber; and a filter located between the storage unit and the rotary chamber and through which the certain component, which is separated from the substance in the rotary chamber by the centrifugal force according to the rotation of the rotary chamber, passes to be stored in the storage unit. The storage unit includes a return prevention unit configured to prevent the certain component, which is separated from the substance in the rotary chamber by the centrifugal force according to the rotation of the rotary chamber and is stored in the storage unit, from returning from the storage unit to the rotary chamber. The present disclosure has an effect of easily separating a certain component sought to be separated.