Electrode Nozzle Sampling for Precise Blood Layer Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blood component separation devices struggle with nonuniform separation of blood component layers during centrifugation, leading to inefficiencies and prolonged time in sampling specific layers.

Innovation Solution

A sampling device equipped with an electrode nozzle, nozzle moving mechanism, current detector, and controller to specify the position of a predetermined component layer by detecting current variations, combined with an optical detector to optically detect layer positions, and a sample container rack moving mechanism to horizontally position the nozzle for precise sampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the blood component separation device presses the container to separate blood components, then the separation process can be initiated, but the interfaces of blood component layers become nonuniform and separation precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation process initiationVSAvoidinterface uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pressing method with an electrical field-based detection and sampling system. Electrodes detect blood component interfaces through electrical conductivity measurements, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure that causes nonuniform interfaces. The system uses electrical fields to both detect and sample components without mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary between the sampling device and blood components. Electrical conductivity serves as a mediator property to detect interface positions between different blood layers, allowing precise identification without direct mechanical interaction that would disrupt layer uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the blood component layers are separated in order from the upper layer, then the separation process can be completed, but the time to sample specific layers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete separationVSAvoidsampling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of all blood component layer interfaces using electrical conductivity measurements before actual sampling begins. By pre-identifying the positions of all interfaces and target layers, the system can directly navigate to and sample specific layers without sequentially processing the entire upper layer first, significantly reducing sampling time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic positioning of the sampling electrode nozzle based on real-time electrical conductivity detection. The system can dynamically adjust the nozzle position to target any specific blood layer interface identified through electrical field measurements, rather than following a fixed sequential path from the upper layer, enabling rapid access to any desired component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If mechanical pressing is used to separate blood components, then the separation process can be forced to proceed, but the interfaces become distorted and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation process forcingVSAvoidinterface position detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical pressing operations with electrical field-based interface detection. Electrodes measure electrical conductivity variations to identify blood component interfaces without applying mechanical force, thereby maintaining interface integrity and precision while still enabling the separation process to proceed through controlled electrical sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 accurate and efficient sampling of specific blood component layers by detecting current and light intensity variations, ensuring precise positioning and rapid extraction of target components.

Implementation Method 1

a current detector configured to detect a value of a current flowing between the positive electrode and the negative electrode in the sample solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

an optical detector configured to optically detect the component layer inside the sample container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20260035687A1Sampling device

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 UNIVERSAL BIO RESEARCH CO LTD

AI summary

A sampling device 1 includes: an electrode nozzle 2, a nozzle moving mechanism moving the electrode nozzle 2 in a vertical direction, a dispensing tip 3 attached to the electrode nozzle 2, a positive electrode 5a and a negative electrode 5b attached to the electrode nozzle 2 and extending along the dispensing tip 3, a current detector 7 detecting a value of a current flowing between the positive electrode 5a and the negative electrode 5b, a sample container housing a sample solution, and a controller controlling the nozzle moving mechanism. The controller drives the nozzle moving mechanism to move the electrode nozzle 2, specifies a position of a predetermined component layer from variation of the value of the current, and the dispensing tip 3 in the vertical direction, and drives the electrode nozzle 2 to sample the predetermined component layer.