Density-Adjusted Float Separation for Rapid Blood Fractionation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood separation devices require skilled operators and significant time, and existing methods are inefficient for rapid fractionation of blood components, particularly for preparing autologous concentrated platelet fractions.
Innovation Solution
A density-adjusted float mechanism within a centrifuge tube allows for rapid separation of blood components by floating freely and isolating specific layers, such as PRP, using a float with adjustable density to ensure minimal contamination and efficient collection of platelets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a density-adjusted float mechanism is used for blood separation, then the separation speed and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float mechanism automatically positions itself at the interface between blood components based on density differences, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems. The float's buoyancy naturally drives it to the correct position where it can isolate the buffy coat layer without requiring external actuation or monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The float is designed with specific density parameters that match the buffy coat layer, allowing it to automatically position itself at the correct interface. By changing the float's density parameter to be intermediate between plasma and red blood cells, the system achieves automatic layer isolation without complex controls.
2Measurement precision
If manual operation of blood separation devices is used, then the operator skill requirement increases, but the measurement precision of separation improves
Solution Approach 1:
The float mechanism performs the separation function autonomously by utilizing density-based buoyancy forces. The float automatically migrates to and stabilizes at the buffy coat interface, eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually control separation parameters or interpret complex results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems requiring operator skill with a passive buoyancy-based float mechanism. The separation precision is achieved through physical laws (Archimedes' principle) rather than operator expertise or complex mechanical adjustments.
3Loss of time
If existing blood separation methods are used, then the preparation time for platelet fractions is reduced, but the contamination level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float mechanism selectively extracts and isolates the buffy coat layer containing platelets from the blood sample. By physically removing this intermediate layer with the float, the method achieves rapid separation while preventing contamination from adjacent plasma or red blood cell layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The float acts as an intermediary barrier between the plasma and red blood cell layers, isolating the buffy coat. This intermediary structure prevents mixing between layers during separation and collection, maintaining purity while enabling rapid processing.
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
Enables rapid and efficient separation of blood components with reduced operator skill requirements, minimizing contamination and allowing for quick preparation of concentrated platelet fractions.
Implementation Method 1
a float contained within the tube and having a density which is predefined so that the float is maintained at equilibrium between a first layer formed from a first fractional component of the blood and a second layer formed from a second fractional component of the blood
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the tube to a centrifugation such that the blood separates into at least a first layer formed from a first fractional component of the blood and a second layer formed from a second fractional component of the blood
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for separating blood components are disclosed in which an apparatus for separating blood generally includes a tube defining a channel and configured for receiving a quantity of blood and a float contained within the tube and having a density which is predefined so that the float is maintained at equilibrium between a first layer formed from a first fractional component of the blood and a second layer formed from a second fractional component of the blood. Upon completion of the centrifugation, the first layer may be removed from the tube while the float isolates the second layer from the first layer.


