Automated Fluid Splitting via Weight-Based Clamp Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual approach to splitting high volume platelet products is prone to errors and inefficient, leading to limitations in the classification of platelet products into units based on platelet count.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a source support, satellite supports, weight scales, and a controller that measures the combined weight of each container and its contents, and automatically controls a clamp system to allow or prevent fluid flow between the source and satellite containers based on the measured weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual splitting method is used, then the process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the splitting precision and accuracy are poor leading to errors in equal volume distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical splitting process with an automated system that uses optical scanning (imager) to detect fluid levels and electronic actuators to control fluid transfer. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with automated sensing and actuation systems directly resolves the contradiction by improving splitting precision while managing system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement of fluid volumes using the imager to detect meniscus positions and automatically calculates the fluid levels. The system then self-regulates the splitting process by automatically actuating the fluid transfer mechanism to achieve equal distribution, eliminating the need for external manual measurement and adjustment operations.
2Productivity
If manual splitting method is used, then the equipment requirement is low, but the time consumption and efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors fluid levels in both source and destination containers through the imager during the entire splitting process. Rather than periodic manual checks, the continuous optical detection enables real-time tracking of fluid transfer, allowing the system to maintain optimal splitting action throughout the process and significantly improve efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The imager provides continuous feedback on fluid levels to the control system, which automatically adjusts the fluid transfer rate and timing. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the splitting process responds dynamically to actual fluid level changes, maximizing efficiency while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
3Reliability
If manual splitting method is used, then the operation process is simple, but the reliability and accuracy of platelet product classification are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and manual fluid transfer with automated optical detection and machine-controlled fluid transfer. This substitution eliminates human error in measurement and judgment, directly improving classification reliability while the automated nature of the system maintains operational simplicity through programmatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The imager creates an optical copy or image of the fluid meniscus position, which is then processed by the control system to determine precise fluid levels. This copying mechanism allows for accurate digital measurement and analysis of fluid states without requiring direct manual intervention, enhancing reliability while keeping the user interface simple.
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 accurately splits high volume platelet products into equal or predetermined volumes, reducing errors and enabling the production of additional units of platelet products compared to conventional manual methods.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is configured to control each weight scale to measure a combined weight of the container and the contents of the container supported by the support associated with the weight scale
Data Source
AI summary
A system for splitting a fluid includes a source support configured to support a source container of a fluid flow circuit and at least one satellite support, with each satellite support configured to support a different satellite container fluidly connected to the source container. A weight scale is associated with each of the supports. The system also includes a clamp system and a controller. The controller is configured to control each weight scale to measure a combined weight of the container and the contents of the container supported by the support associated with the weight scale. The controller is configured to control the clamp system to selectively allow and prevent fluid flow from the source container to each satellite container based at least in part upon the weights measured by each weight scale. Fluid flow continues until the contents of each container have reached a target volume.