Handheld Motor Source for Portable Biological Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for devices and methods to extract and concentrate therapeutically active factors from mammalian tissues and biological fluids without relying on traditional centrifuges, which are often not accessible in all surgical sites.
Innovation Solution
A handheld system comprising containment devices connected to a motor source that can spin along various axes, allowing for the concentration, purification, and fractionation of biological samples using adjustable g-forces, and can be operated independently in surgical settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional centrifuges are used to separate and concentrate biological samples, then separation efficiency and concentration capability are improved, but device accessibility and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the traditional centrifuge functionality into modular components: a handheld motor unit that can be detached from the containment device. This segmentation allows the motor source to be transported separately and attached only when needed, improving accessibility while maintaining separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The motor source is extracted from the traditional centrifuge structure and made handheld, allowing it to be removed from fixed laboratory settings. The motor unit can be taken to surgical sites and attached to containment devices as needed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining centrifugation capability and improving portability
2Ease of operation
If handheld motor sources are used to spin containment devices, then device portability and accessibility are improved, but processing speed and g-force consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld motor source is designed to be universally compatible with multiple containment device types and configurations. It can function as a centrifuge, mixer, or other processing device depending on the attached containment device, maintaining processing speed across different applications while preserving portability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the motor source to be stabilized by the user's hand or by placing the containment device in a base, eliminating the need for complex external stabilization mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains processing speed while keeping the device portable and easy to operate
3Adaptability or versatility
If containment devices are designed to freely rotate to horizontal position, then sample processing versatility is improved, but structural stability and control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The containment device is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to freely rotate from vertical to horizontal position during processing. This dynamic design enables versatile sample processing orientations while the system maintains control through the motor source's speed and direction control, resolving the contradiction between versatility and stability
4Quantity of substance
If multiple tubular vessels are counter disposed within buckets, then sample processing capacity is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tubular vessels are nested within buckets that are counter-disposed on the containment device. This nesting arrangement increases sample processing capacity while organizing components in a space-efficient manner that reduces overall device complexity and simplifies assembly
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 quick and efficient processing of biological samples, producing enriched therapeutic fluids that can be used for treating injuries and diseases, without the need for traditional centrifuges, thus improving accessibility and efficiency in surgical environments.
Implementation Method 1
The handheld motor source can spin the one or more containment devices at a rate of rotations per minute sufficient to produce g-forces needed for separating biological samples
Implementation Method 2
The one or more containment devices can comprise at least one filter element or membrane
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for biological sample concentration, purification, and fractionation of biological samples. The systems can comprise one or more containment devices for a biological sample connected to a shaft; a handheld motor source connected to the shaft and configured to modulate spinning the one or more containment devices along an axis of the one or more containment devices.