Helical Functional Section for Target Structure Enrichment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for in-vivo and in-vitro enrichment of target structures in sample liquids face inefficiencies in concentrating these structures due to limitations in flow dynamics and surface area utilization, leading to suboptimal accumulation on receptors.
Innovation Solution
A device with a helically shaped functional section, featuring a symmetrical concave polygon initial cross-section and a mirror-symmetrical exit cross-section, is introduced into a laminar flow to generate turbulence, increasing the surface area and accumulation of target structures on receptors, optimized for use in blood circulation systems with biocompatible materials and coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional functional section with linear or simple geometric shape is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the surface area for receptor attachment is limited and turbulence generation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The functional section employs a helical curvature instead of linear or simple geometric shapes. This helical configuration increases the surface area available for receptor attachment while the curved geometry naturally generates turbulence in the laminar flow, resolving the contradiction between surface area and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional section transitions from a two-dimensional planar shape to a three-dimensional helical structure. This dimensional transformation significantly increases the surface area for receptor attachment and creates flow disruption through the helical path, simultaneously addressing both surface area requirements and turbulence generation without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Productivity
If the functional section is designed to generate turbulence in laminar flow, then target structure enrichment is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The helical curvature of the functional section passively generates turbulence as the laminar flow passes through it. This passive flow disruption mechanism eliminates the need for active moving parts or complex mechanical structures, achieving improved enrichment efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional section's helical geometry automatically generates the required turbulence and flow disruption effects through the natural laminar flow itself. The structure serves its own purpose of creating mixing conditions without requiring external energy input or additional active components, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the initial cross-section is made concave with multiple angles greater than 180°, then turbulence is increased and surface area is enlarged, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concave cross-sectional geometry with multiple angles greater than 180° creates effective turbulence and maximizes surface area. While this increases manufacturing precision requirements, the overall helical structure and modular design help mitigate these challenges by providing clear geometric definitions that can be achieved through modern manufacturing techniques.
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 helical design significantly enhances the accumulation of target structures on receptors by creating turbulence and increasing the surface area, allowing for effective enrichment and analysis, while minimizing risk of injury and material damage.
Implementation Method 1
The functional section generates a transverse flow that causes turbulence of the sample liquid and the target structures contained therein in the region of the receptor-equipped surface of the functional section
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~4(b)
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Device (1) for the in-vivo and/or in-vitro enrichment of target structures in a sample liquid, comprising at least one functional portion (2), which is provided with receptors for enriching the target structures. In order to improve the enrichment of the target structures in the sample liquid, it is provided according to the invention that the functional portion (2) has a helical form, which is produced by twisting a symmetrical starting cross section (3) about a twisting axis (4). The invention likewise discloses a method for producing this device.