Flexible Biological Cassette Flow Path Control for Faster Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological component kits and treatment systems face challenges with complex pathways that require time-consuming setup and are prone to errors, and rigid cassettes complicate flow path detection and operation.
Innovation Solution
A flexible biological component cassette with a sheet-shaped main body and integrated flow path opening/closing units, allowing easy arrangement and control of flow paths through cutouts and separations, connected to a tube system for seamless integration with a treatment device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid biological component cassette is used to integrate multiple pathways, then the arrangement of pathways becomes easier and more accurate, but it becomes difficult to detect the state of liquid flowing through the flow paths and to open and close the flow paths inside the cassette
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette main body is formed from a flexible sheet material that can be deformed to open and close flow paths. The sheet is folded along fold lines to create a three-dimensional structure with flow paths, and by deforming the sheet in specific ways, the flow paths can be opened or closed to control liquid flow. This flexible structure maintains manufacturing precision while enabling easy operation.
2Productivity
If multiple pathways are integrated in a rigid biological component cassette, then setup time is reduced, but constituent components must be provided on the exterior of the cassette, requiring additional setting operations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow paths that would traditionally require separate tubes and connectors are merged into a single integrated sheet structure. The flow paths are formed by folding and sealing the sheet material, creating internal channels that eliminate the need for external tubes, connectors, and clamps. This merging of multiple components into one integrated structure reduces setup operations while maintaining pathway functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible sheet-shaped cassette main body is used, then ease of operation for opening and closing flow paths is improved, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette main body transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can change shape. The sheet material is folded along specific fold lines to create a three-dimensional structure with defined flow paths. By deforming the sheet in controlled ways, the flow paths can be opened or closed dynamically during operation, providing both ease of operation and sufficient structural strength through the folded geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A biological component treatment system includes a biological component kit, and a biological component treatment device in which the biological component kit is set. The biological component kit includes tubes and a biological component cassette. The biological component cassette includes a cassette main body having flow paths in the interior of the cassette main body, and the cassette main body includes flow path opening/closing units which are capable of switching between opening and closing of the flow paths. The flow path opening/closing units include cutouts provided at positions adjacent to the flow paths.