Density-Based Collector for Rare Material Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inefficient and costly for detecting and analyzing rare materials, such as circulating tumor cells, in suspensions due to their low concentrations and the difficulty in distinguishing them from a large background of other cells.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a collector with a displacement fluid and a primary vessel for density-based separation, where the displacement fluid with a higher density than the target material is used to isolate and retrieve the target material through centrifugation, followed by further processing and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used to detect rare materials in suspension, then detection can be performed with simple equipment, but the detection precision and reliability are insufficient due to low concentration and large background interference
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple functional modules: a separation module that isolates target materials from background suspension, a collection module that concentrates the separated materials, and a detection module that analyzes the concentrated samples. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, achieving high detection precision while managing overall system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary separation and concentration actions before the actual detection process. By pre-isolating target materials from the complex background suspension and concentrating them in collection vessels, the detection phase operates on simplified, high-concentration samples rather than dilute suspensions, dramatically improving detection precision without requiring overly complex detection equipment
2Productivity
If conventional methods are used to analyze rare materials, then the process can be simple, but the productivity and efficiency are low due to time-consuming analysis of large background materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates rare target materials from the large-volume background suspension through density-based separation. By removing the overwhelming background material and collecting only the separated target materials in small-volume vessels, the subsequent analysis process operates on concentrated samples, reducing analysis time and increasing productivity by eliminating the need to process entire large-volume suspensions
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces displacement fluids as intermediaries that facilitate the separation and collection process. These fluids enable density-based separation to occur efficiently, acting as a mediator between the target materials and the background suspension. The intermediaries allow rapid separation and concentration, significantly reducing the time required before analysis can begin
3Ease of manufacture
If existing techniques are used to detect rare materials, then the method can be straightforward, but the cost is high due to the need to process and analyze large volumes of background material
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes the large-volume background material from the analysis process through separation and collection steps. By isolating only the rare target materials in small-volume collection vessels, the system reduces the quantity of material that requires expensive processing and analysis, thereby reducing overall costs while maintaining method simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the target materials through separation and collection processes. By transforming dilute suspensions into concentrated samples in collection vessels, the system enables more cost-effective analysis methods that work efficiently with small volumes, reducing the material processing requirements and associated costs
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 enables the accurate detection and analysis of rare materials by effectively separating and isolating them from the suspension, reducing the complexity and cost associated with existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing a collector with a displacement fluid and a primary vessel for density-based separation, where the displacement fluid with a higher density than the target material is used to isolate and retrieve the target material through centrifugation
Implementation Method 2
isolate and retrieve the target material through centrifugation
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a displacement fluid, a collector, and a primary vessel. In another implementation, the system includes a processing vessel, a displacement fluid, a collector, and a primary vessel.