Centrifuge Polymerizing Separator Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centrifuges lack the capability to utilize energy sources for maintaining separation of fractions in blood and other fluid samples post-separation, despite their potential for sterilization and other applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an energy source within a centrifuge to polymerize a separator substance, which forms a hardened barrier between separated fractions, using UV light or other forms of energy to initiate polymerization, ensuring minimal disruption to the sample characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a centrifuge is used to separate blood fractions, then separation is achieved, but the separation barrier is not stable and may mix again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical state of the separator substance from liquid to solid gel through polymerization. This parameter change creates a stable, hardened barrier that maintains separation between blood fractions, preventing them from mixing again. The gel formation transforms the separator from a temporary liquid layer to a stable solid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite separator substance that includes polymerizable monomers and initiators, creating a gel-based separator. This composite material forms a stable gel network that maintains the separation barrier, combining the benefits of liquid separability with solid stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If UV light is used to polymerize the separator substance, then the barrier hardens and stabilizes, but the sample may be damaged by excessive energy exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using controlled, low-level UV light exposure just sufficient to trigger polymerization. The UV light source is positioned to provide minimal but effective energy to the separator substance, avoiding excessive exposure that would damage the blood sample. The polymerization process is initiated with low intensity UV, creating the gel barrier without causing sample damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by positioning the UV light source at a specific distance and angle, and by using a gel-based separator that is selectively sensitive to UV. This intermediary setup allows the UV energy to be transferred specifically to the separator substance rather than directly to the blood sample, minimizing harmful effects while achieving polymerization.
3Reliability
If the separator substance is exposed to energy source, then polymerization occurs and separation is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centrifuge and UV light source into a single integrated system. The UV light source is incorporated within the centrifuge housing, allowing both separation and polymerization functions to be performed in one device. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate centrifuge and UV apparatus, while maintaining reliable fraction separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the centrifuge multi-functional by adding UV light source capability. The same device that performs centrifugal separation now also provides UV polymerization, enabling one machine to complete both the separation and stabilization processes. This universality reduces the need for additional specialized equipment.
4Productivity
If the energy source is positioned close to the sample, then polymerization efficiency increases, but the risk of sample damage from heat and light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing UV light specifically at the separator substance layer rather than uniformly across the entire sample. The UV source is positioned and angled to provide concentrated energy only where needed for polymerization, while minimizing exposure to the blood sample. This localized energy application maintains polymerization efficiency while reducing sample damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a rapid polymerization approach where UV light triggers quick gel formation in the separator substance. The polymerization process completes quickly, reducing the total time the sample is exposed to UV energy. This rushing through the polymerization process minimizes cumulative exposure to potential harmful effects while maintaining high polymerization efficiency.
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
Effectively automates the separation process by forming a stable separation barrier between fractions, maintaining sample integrity and allowing for precise control of energy exposure to optimize separation and hardening of the separator substance.
Implementation Method 1
an energy source associated with the centrifuge exposes the tube contents to a polymerizing energy, which causes the separator substance to form a hardened barrier between the fractions
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for using a centrifuge are presented. A vessel containing a sample and a separator substance is placed within a centrifuge. Upon sufficient centrifugation, the sample separates into two or more fractions separated by the separator substance. The centrifuge exposes the separator substance to a sufficient energy to polymerize the separator substance to produce a hardened barrier between the fractions.