Modular Blood Storage System with Selective Agitation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blood product storage systems for platelet concentrates are inefficient due to non-adjustable capacity, leading to unnecessary space and energy usage, as they require temperature regulation and agitation of all compartments even when not fully utilized.

Innovation Solution

A modular blood product storage system with a temperature regulation unit and agitator units that can be selectively connected, allowing for adjustment to actual storage requirements, with independent temperature regulation and agitation of only the necessary compartments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-capacity incubator cabinet with multiple agitator units is used, then the storage system can maintain temperature and agitation for multiple compartments, but it cannot be adjusted to match actual storage requirements, leading to wasted space and energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to storage requirementsVSAvoidenergy consumption for temperature regulation and agitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into independent modular units: a base unit, multiple interchangeable agitator units (each with its own drive mechanism), and a temperature regulation unit. This segmentation allows individual agitator units to be added or removed based on storage needs, enabling selective operation of only the necessary components rather than requiring the entire system to run continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed-capacity design to a dynamic, reconfigurable architecture where agitator units can be selectively connected and disconnected. The selective connectability of agitator units to the temperature regulation unit and base unit enables the system to adapt its operational capacity in real-time, activating only the components needed for current storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the incubator cabinet is designed to accommodate multiple agitator units, then storage capacity is increased, but the space requirement and costs increase even when not all compartments are filled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity for blood productsVSAvoidspace requirement for the storage system

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The modular design allows agitator units to be nested or stacked vertically on the base unit, with each unit containing its own compartment for blood products. This nested arrangement maximizes storage capacity within a compact footprint, allowing the system to expand storage capacity by adding units vertically rather than requiring proportional horizontal space expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the entire agitator unit must be operated to move all compartments, then constant movement is maintained for platelet concentrates, but unnecessary compartments are also moved consuming additional energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstant movement to prevent sedimentationVSAvoidenergy consumption for agitation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Each agitator unit is equipped with its own independent drive mechanism rather than sharing a common drive system. This segmentation of the agitation function allows individual agitator units to be operated independently, enabling the system to provide constant movement and prevent sedimentation only in the compartments that are currently in use, rather than wasting energy moving empty compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This modular system optimizes space and energy usage by regulating only the necessary compartments to the desired temperature and agitation, reducing waste and costs while ensuring effective storage conditions for platelet concentrates.

Implementation Method 1

temperature regulation unit (3) for temperature regulation of the blood product storage system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

drive (9) for movement of the compartment (8)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11528904B2Modular blood product storage system for temperature-regulated storage of blood products

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 B MEDICAL SYST S A R L

AI summary

Modular blood product storage system for temperature-regulated storage of blood products with a temperature regulation unit for temperature regulation of the blood product storage system, a base unit and at least one agitator unit with an upper connection side, a lower connection side, a movable compartment to receive the blood products and a drive for movement of the compartment, wherein the compartment is arranged between the upper connection side and the lower connection side, wherein the upper connection side of the agitator unit is selectively connectable to the temperature regulation unit or a further agitator unit, and wherein the lower connection side of the agitator unit is selectively connectable to the base unit or a further agitator unit.