Centrifuge Optical Sensor Assembly for Adaptive Interface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensor assemblies in centrifuges for biological fluid separation are impaired by irregularities in fluid composition, chamber configuration, and component operation, leading to inaccurate interface location determination and poor separation performance.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor assembly with a controller that dynamically adjusts light intensity and signal amplification to accurately determine the interface location between separated fluid components, using algorithms to analyze signal voltage and pulse width, and adjust light source intensity and detector amplification as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed light intensity and signal amplification are used in the optical sensor assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of interface location deteriorates due to irregularities in fluid composition and component operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of light intensity and signal amplification parameters during the separation procedure. The controller continuously monitors signal characteristics and adjusts these parameters in real-time to maintain optimal measurement conditions despite variations in fluid composition and component performance, thereby improving interface location determination accuracy without requiring redundant hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (light intensity and signal amplification) dynamically based on detected signal characteristics. By adjusting these parameters in response to measured conditions, the system compensates for irregularities in fluid composition and component operation, maintaining high measurement precision without increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If dynamic adjustment of light intensity and signal amplification is implemented, then the measurement precision of interface location is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous parameter optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where the controller monitors signal voltage and pulse width characteristics and uses this information to dynamically adjust light intensity and signal amplification. This feedback mechanism ensures that energy is used efficiently by adjusting parameters only to the extent necessary to maintain accurate measurements, preventing excessive energy consumption while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor assembly performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting its own operational parameters based on real-time signal characteristics. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external intervention or complex additional systems, maintaining high measurement accuracy while minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure through autonomous parameter optimization
3Measurement precision
If higher light intensity is used to improve signal detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential fluid heating and photodamage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts light intensity based on real-time signal characteristics rather than using continuously high intensity. By modulating the light intensity to match the actual measurement needs, the system achieves high signal detection accuracy while minimizing the cumulative thermal load and photodamage to the biological fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts light intensity as a variable parameter based on detected signal quality and separation progress. This parameter change strategy allows the system to use higher intensity only when and where needed for accurate detection, while using lower intensity during other phases, thereby balancing measurement precision with minimization of harmful effects
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
Enhances the accuracy of interface location determination, improving separation efficiency and product collection by compensating for irregularities in fluid composition and component operation.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit light having a first intensity toward the separation chamber, with at least a portion of the light exiting the separation chamber as transmitted light; a light detector configured to receive at least a portion of the transmitted light as received light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor assembly of a centrifuge of a biological fluid separation system includes a light source configured to emit light having an intensity toward a separation chamber received within the centrifuge, with at least a portion of the light exiting the separation chamber as transmitted light. A light detector receives at least a portion of the transmitted light as received light and transmits a signal based on the received light. A controller receives the signal from the light detector, then determines the location of an interface between two of the separated components within the separation chamber based at least in part of the signal. The controller is programmed to determine whether to control the light source to dynamically adjust the intensity of the light during a biological fluid separation procedure and/or to control the light detector to dynamically adjust an amplification of the signal during the procedure.