Automated Fluid Splitting with Weight-Based Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of splitting high volume platelet products into uneven volumes for bacterial testing and pathogen reduction is prone to errors and inefficiencies, risking improper distribution and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a source support, satellite supports, weight scales, a clamp assembly, and a controller that automates the fluid-splitting process by determining optimal distributions based on platelet concentration and volume, and controlling fluid flow to achieve precise and uneven volume splits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual splitting is used, then flexibility in distribution is maintained, but accuracy and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system comprising weight scales, a controller, and a clamp assembly. The weight scales automatically measure container weights, the controller calculates target volumes based on platelet concentration inputs, and the clamp assembly automatically controls fluid flow - eliminating manual measurement and distribution while improving accuracy without requiring complex user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement through integrated weight scales that automatically track container weights throughout the process. The controller autonomously calculates distribution parameters based on input concentration data and real-time weight measurements, then automatically executes the splitting operation without requiring continuous manual monitoring or calculation by the technician
2Productivity
If manual splitting is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary input of platelet concentration data before the splitting process begins. The controller uses this pre-input information combined with real-time weight measurements to pre-calculate target volumes for each container, enabling the clamp assembly to execute automated distribution at optimized speed without manual intervention during the critical splitting phase
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated weight scales continuously provide feedback on container weights during the splitting process. The controller uses this real-time feedback to monitor progress toward target volumes and automatically adjusts the clamp assembly operations to achieve precise distribution, enabling high-speed automated operation while maintaining accuracy through continuous monitoring
3Reliability
If manual splitting is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into an integrated automated system: weight measurement, data processing, calculation, and fluid flow control are combined in a single coordinated system. The weight scales, controller, and clamp assembly work as a unified team, where each component's output feeds into the next, eliminating the separate manual operations that previously required multiple discrete actions and reducing overall system complexity despite the automation
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary between the weight scales and the clamp assembly. It receives weight data from the scales, processes this information along with the input platelet concentration data, calculates the appropriate distribution parameters, and automatically sends control signals to the clamp assembly - mediating the entire splitting process and ensuring accurate, reliable execution without manual intervention
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 accurate and efficient splitting of platelet products into desired volumes, minimizing errors and optimizing the distribution for bacterial testing and pathogen reduction, thereby enhancing safety and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
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 and a satellite support configured to support a 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 determines a plurality of possible distributions of the fluid between the source container and the satellite container based at least in part on the concentration or amount of said constituent and the combined weight measured by each weight scale, then controls the clamp system to selectively allow and prevent fluid flow from the source container to the satellite container so as to distribute the fluid between the source container and the satellite container according to one of the distributions, with at least one of the possible distributions being an uneven distribution of the fluid.