Disposable Spray Drying Chamber Alignment for Plasma Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The availability of human plasma for transfusion is limited due to storage constraints and the complexity of existing spray drying technologies, which are not suitable for use in resource-limited settings or by untrained personnel.
Innovation Solution
A spray drying system with ease-of-use elements, including a locating arrangement for proper alignment of disposable components, a latitudinal alignment arrangement for the spray drying head, and a positioning arrangement for reversible attachment to the finishing apparatus, allowing for safe and efficient operation by personnel of varying educational status and skill levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If industrial spray drying apparatus are used for plasma drying, then drying capability is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a permanent spray drying apparatus and a disposable plasma drying chamber assembly. The disposable component can be pre-assembled, sterilized, and quality-controlled separately, then simply attached to the permanent apparatus for operation. This segmentation transfers complexity to the disposable unit while keeping the main apparatus simple and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable plasma drying chamber is pre-assembled with alignment features, sealing elements, and structural components before sterilization and use. This preliminary assembly allows for quality control and simplifies the operational process, as operators only need to attach the pre-prepared disposable unit to the permanent apparatus without complex assembly procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment systems are implemented, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable plasma drying chamber incorporates asymmetric alignment features including a keyway that fits into a corresponding protrusion on the permanent apparatus, and locators positioned at specific asymmetric locations. This asymmetric design provides precise alignment through simple geometric mating features rather than complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is designed to be self-aligning through complementary geometric features on the disposable and permanent components. The keyway, locators, and sealing surfaces automatically position the disposable chamber correctly when attached, eliminating the need for operator intervention or complex alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If multiple alignment points are used, then alignment reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple alignment functions are merged into single integrated features. For example, the keyway simultaneously provides rotational alignment and positional定位, while the locators at multiple positions collectively ensure both axial and radial alignment. The sealing surface also contributes to alignment by providing a mating surface that constrains the disposable chamber position.
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
The system ensures safe and efficient operation of the spray drying process, maintaining the integrity of the plasma drying chamber and allowing for the production of spray dried plasma by a wide range of operators, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
spray drying of blood plasma for transfusion has not been done commercially and generally spray drying has been an industrial or laboratory specialty
Implementation Method 2
spray drying system with ease-of-use elements, including a locating arrangement for proper alignment of disposable components
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes an ease-of-use system that allows the spray drying disposable device to fit (e.g., align) in both spray drying apparatus and the spray drying finishing apparatus to safely operate the system. The system includes locating arrangements between the spray drying disposable and the spray drying apparatus and/or spray drying finishing apparatus, a first retainer and second retainer, a shorter disposable device that allows for effective spray drying of plasma, a feedback indicators of correct installment, redundant indicators of correct installment, easily accessible operator controls and emergency shut offs.