Centrifuge Optical Sensor Assembly with Dynamic Light and Signal Gain
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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
The optical sensor assembly includes 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 variations
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 resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (light intensity and signal amplification) dynamically based on measured signal characteristics. By adjusting these parameters according to actual conditions detected during separation, the system maintains high measurement precision without requiring overly complex hardware modifications
2Reliability
If high light intensity is used throughout the separation procedure, then the signal detection capability is improved, but the reliability of interface location determination deteriorates when the interface approaches the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts light intensity based on the detected interface position and signal characteristics. When the interface is far from the light source, higher intensity is used to ensure adequate signal strength. When the interface approaches the light source, the intensity is reduced to prevent saturation, thereby maintaining reliable measurements across all positions
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from the detected signal voltage and pulse width to adjust light intensity and amplification parameters. This closed-loop control ensures that the system automatically compensates for position-dependent effects, maintaining reliable interface location determination throughout the separation procedure
3Measurement precision
If fixed signal amplification is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates when signal voltage varies due to fluid composition irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic signal amplification adjustment based on the detected signal voltage and pulse width characteristics. The controller modifies amplification parameters in real-time to maintain optimal signal levels despite variations in fluid composition, improving measurement precision without requiring complex hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes signal amplification parameters dynamically based on measured signal characteristics and detected interface position. By adapting these parameters to actual conditions, the system maintains high measurement accuracy while avoiding the need for overly complex signal processing hardware
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 approach enhances the accuracy of interface positioning, improving separation efficiency and product collection by compensating for irregularities in fluid composition and component variations.
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
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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.