Hourglass Fluid Concentration Cup with Side Port and Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological fluid concentration devices lack efficient methods for selective removal of separated fluid layers post-centrifugation, often requiring fluid transfer through the top of the vessel, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A fluid concentration cup assembly with a moveable piston and side draw port allows for the selective withdrawal of separated fluid layers by manually or screw-drivenly moving the piston to position the desired layer adjacent the side port, enabling easy removal through a side port engagement with a syringe or collection device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid transfer is accomplished through the top of the vessel, then the device structure remains simple, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper cylindrical portion for fluid loading, a narrowed portion for fluid separation and access, and a lower cylindrical portion for concentration. This segmentation allows the side port to be positioned in the narrowed portion, enabling efficient side draw removal while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from top-only fluid access (single dimension) to side port access (additional dimension). By positioning the side port horizontally in the narrowed portion and using a moveable piston to vertically position fluid layers, the system enables fluid removal from a different spatial dimension, improving operational efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If a moveable piston is added to enable selective fluid layer positioning, then fluid selection precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is designed as a moveable component that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions within the lower cylindrical portion. This dynamic positioning capability allows precise control over which fluid layer contacts the side port, enabling accurate selection of specific separated layers such as buffy coat.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable piston acts as an intermediary between the centrifuged fluid layers and the side port. By positioning the piston at different heights, it selectively brings different fluid layers into contact with the side port, enabling precise fluid layer selection without complex automation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cup has a narrowed portion to magnify vertical fluid displacement, then fluid layer access precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cup features a localized narrowed portion with specific geometric characteristics that magnify vertical fluid displacement. This local structural modification, rather than changing the entire cup geometry, provides the needed precision for fluid level control while minimizing impact on overall manufacturability.
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
Facilitates efficient and selective withdrawal of concentrated fluid layers, such as the buffy coat, by magnifying the vertical dimension of fluid displacement through a narrowed portion, allowing precise control and easy access for fluid removal post-centrifugation.
Implementation Method 1
separate out the biological fluid components by differing densities
Implementation Method 2
magnifying the vertical dimension of fluid displacement through a narrowed portion
Data Source
AI summary
A biological fluid collection cup for use with a centrifuge bucket to separate a biological fluid into its component parts is disclosed. It includes an hourglass shape with a large upper and lower portion and a narrow middle portion. A piston is to slide into and slideably be received in the lower portion and a side port is provided for withdrawal of a fluid from the narrow portion.