Induction-Powered Vortex Fluid Separator for Medical Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional centrifuges used in separation processes are heavy, expensive, noisy, and require rotational balancing, making them unsuitable for medical applications and increasing costs and risks.

Innovation Solution

A compact, induction-powered vortex fluid separator that uses a processing canister with a magnetic rotor and induction base to create a vortex for fluid separation without physical rotation, reducing noise and eliminating the need for balancing, and is powered by a small electric motor with no external power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional centrifuges are used for fluid separation, then separation effectiveness is achieved, but device weight and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical centrifugal separation system with an acoustic field-based separation system. Acoustic waves are used to induce vortex flow and achieve fluid separation without mechanical rotation, thereby eliminating the need for heavy centrifugal mechanisms while maintaining separation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical rotation speed to acoustic frequency and intensity. By using acoustic fields to generate vortex flow, the system achieves separation based on acoustic-induced fluid dynamics rather than centrifugal force, significantly reducing device weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional centrifuges are used for fluid separation, then separation is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical centrifugal mechanisms with a simpler acoustic field generation system. The acoustic-driven vortex separator uses sound waves to create fluid circulation and separation, eliminating the need for complex rotating mechanisms, bearings, and balancing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional centrifuges are used for fluid separation, then separation is achieved, but noise generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical rotation with acoustic field application. The acoustic-driven system uses sound waves to induce fluid motion and separation without mechanical contact or rotation, thereby eliminating the noise generated by spinning components and mechanical friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If traditional centrifuges are used for fluid separation, then separation is achieved, but rotational balancing requirements increase device complexity and risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an acoustic field system. Since acoustic waves are applied through transducers rather than mechanical rotation, there is no need for rotational balancing, eliminating a source of operational complexity and potential failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device is lightweight, cost-effective, and generates minimal noise, allowing for efficient separation of fluid components without the risks associated with traditional centrifuges, and can be easily sterilized and reused.

Implementation Method 1

induction base assembly (104) that creates a magnetic field to induce rotation of a magnetic rotor (114)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

stirring the fluid to create a vortex within a canister (106)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentUS11904328B2Induction powered vortex fluid separator

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 SPINESMITH PARTNERS LP

AI summary

A method of separating a fluid includes adding a fluid to a canister of a fluid separator. The canister includes first and second barriers disposed concentrically within the canister that define a first and second annulus within the canister, and a canister rotor having a first magnet associated therewith. The method includes rotating an induction base rotor disposed within an induction base. The induction base rotor includes a second magnet. The canister rotor and the induction base rotor are magnetically coupled and rotating the induction base rotor causes the canister rotor to rotate. The method further includes forming a vortex in the fluid via the rotation of the canister rotor, and the vortex causes the fluid to separate into a first component and a second component.