Mobile Point-of-Care Workstation for Biological Fluid Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a mobile, compact, multi-functional cart capable of processing patient samples at point-of-care settings, particularly in critical care environments, and fail to handle a wide range of biological fluids effectively, lacking features like sample ID tracking, real-time instrumentation status display, remote control, and on-site analysis.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, compact workstation with caster wheels, angular side panels, and an upper housing accommodating centrifuges, sample analysis instrumentation, data recording, and two-way communication, enabling remote control and processing of patient samples and biological fluids, including concentration of cell-free subcomponents, while ensuring compliance with medical regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a mobile workstation is designed to be compact for mobility, then portability is improved, but the space available for multi-functional instrumentation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation employs nested storage compartments where smaller containers and instrumentation are stored within larger housing structures. The cart includes nested drawers, removable trays, and integrated storage bays that allow multiple functional components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, maximizing the utilization of limited mobile workstation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from two-dimensional surface workspace to three-dimensional volumetric utilization through vertical stacking of functional modules, depth-wise storage compartments, and multi-level shelving. This dimensional expansion allows the compact mobile cart to accommodate centrifuges, analyzers, and storage containers without compromising mobility.
2Productivity
If the workstation houses multiple processing functions in one location, then processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is divided into distinct functional modules including separate compartments for centrifugation, sample analysis, reagent storage, and waste disposal. Each module operates independently with dedicated controls and protocols, allowing complex multi-step processing workflows to be broken down into manageable segments that can be executed sequentially or in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation integrates multiple processing functions including centrifugation, cellular analysis, biochemical assays, and sample storage within a single unified platform. The system uses standardized sample handlers and universal interfaces that allow different processing protocols to be executed on the same hardware infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity despite the variety of functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote control capability is added to the workstation, then operational flexibility is improved, but communication infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation incorporates real-time feedback systems that continuously monitor processing parameters, sample status, and instrumentation performance. This feedback is transmitted bidirectionally between the workstation and remote control interfaces, allowing operators to adjust protocols dynamically based on real-time data while maintaining simplified communication protocols that do not require complex infrastructure.
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 secure, efficient processing and analysis of patient samples and biological fluids, ensuring compliance with FDA and HIPPA standards, enabling real-time reporting and inventory control, and providing therapeutically beneficial autologous cell and fluid preparations at the point-of-care.
Implementation Method 1
Separating cells of interest out of patient samples and their biological fluids has been performed for many years, and usually is based on the application of centrifugation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a work station for use in performing processing of patient samples, storing equipment and drugs in a hospital and the like, the cart having a lower housing having caster wheels mounted on the bottom thereof, the lower housing having angular-shaped side panels therearound which may be opened for entrance into all sides of the housing, and one or more of the side panels; an upper housing mounted on top of the lower housing, the upper housing having one or more side panels therearound; and one or more work areas mounted on top of the upper housing, the shelf adapted for receiving point-of-care equipment.