Digitally Controlled Voltage Regulator for Stroboscopic LED Blood Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood centrifugation methods face challenges in accurately controlling and monitoring the separation of blood components due to sensitivity of phase boundary positions to various variables, limiting the purity and efficiency of extracted blood components.
Innovation Solution
A digitally controlled voltage regulator for a stroboscopic LED light source is used in an optical monitoring system for density centrifuges, providing precise control over light pulses to illuminate and detect blood components, allowing for accurate characterization and optimization of separation conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional blood centrifugation methods are used, then blood components can be separated, but the purity of extracted blood components is limited due to sensitivity of phase boundary positions to various variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements optical detection systems that monitor phase boundary positions in real-time during centrifugation, providing feedback signals to control systems that adjust centrifugal force or extraction timing to maintain optimal separation conditions and ensure high purity of extracted blood components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs precise control of centrifugation parameters (rotational speed, acceleration profiles) and extraction parameters (timing, position) to optimize separation conditions, thereby improving the purity of extracted blood components while compensating for variations in phase boundary positions
2Productivity
If extraction ports are provided in separation chambers to achieve continuous high throughput, then processing efficiency improves, but accurate control of phase boundary positioning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Optical detection systems continuously monitor phase boundary positions during centrifugation with multiple extraction ports, providing real-time feedback that enables dynamic adjustment of extraction timing and positioning to maintain high throughput while ensuring accurate phase boundary control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of extraction port positioning and timing based on real-time phase boundary location, allowing the system to adapt extraction parameters continuously during operation to maintain both high throughput and precise phase boundary positioning
3Measurement precision
If optical monitoring systems are used to monitor phase boundary positions, then separation control improves, but the system complexity increases due to need for controlled stroboscopic light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs stroboscopic illumination that synchronizes with the centrifuge rotation period, using periodic light pulses at specific phases to illuminate and capture images of phase boundaries, thereby achieving accurate optical monitoring while simplifying the lighting system through rhythmic, synchronized operation
Solution Approach 2:
The optical monitoring system is integrated with the centrifuge control system, where the same microcontroller that controls centrifugation parameters also manages the stroboscopic illumination timing and intensity, eliminating the need for separate complex control circuits and reducing overall system complexity
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 solution enables precise control of light intensity and duration, ensuring optimal separation and collection of blood components, improving the purity and efficiency of blood processing by accommodating a wide range of blood processing procedures and maintaining stability over varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The stroboscopic light source may comprise light emitting diodes (LED)
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the separation chamber about a central rotation axis results in separation of the blood components in the separation chamber according to density
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to apparatus for controlling the processing of blood into blood components, particularly components for stroboscopic LED light sources for centrifuges. A digital control circuit controls a high amperage linear voltage regulator. The voltage regulator charges a capacitor bank, which in turn powers LED light sources. The digital control circuit comprises an N-channel switched mode FET. The switched mode FET receives a pulsed digital signal from the microprocessor controlling the blood processing apparatus. A by-pass resistor in parallel with the FET allows most of the current to flow past the FET, thus minimizes heating of the FET. The performance of the FET, therefore, remains stable despite extended use of the apparatus.