Parallel Filtration Sampling Loops for Real-Time Cell Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring cell, biological material, and particle characteristics in fluid flow systems, particularly in hyperthermia treatment procedures, are labor-intensive, prone to false results, and lack real-time analysis capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with multiple fluid sampling loops, each equipped with filtration elements, allows for sequential sampling of fluid at different time points without disrupting the fluid flow. This apparatus includes clamps and valves to regulate fluid flow and prevent reverse flow, enabling real-time analysis of cells, biological materials, and particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple fluid sampling loops are used for sequential sampling, then real-time analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent fluid sampling loops (first, second, third sampling loops), each capable of sequential operation. This segmentation allows continuous sampling at different time points without interrupting the main fluid flow, enabling real-time analysis while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling loops are pre-configured with filtration elements and flow control mechanisms before use. The system establishes multiple ready-to-use sampling paths in advance, allowing immediate sequential sampling when needed, thus improving real-time analysis capability without adding operational complexity during actual use
2Ease of operation
If clamps and valves are added to regulate fluid flow, then sampling control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs one-way flow control mechanisms that automatically prevent reverse flow without requiring active control or additional complex valve assemblies. The filtration elements and sampling loop design inherently guide fluid flow in the correct direction, reducing the need for additional flow regulation components while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Reverse flow prevention functionality is extracted as an inherent property of the sampling loop design and filtration element configuration, rather than adding separate complex valve systems. The system takes out the need for active flow control by designing passive flow directionality into the sampling pathways
3Measurement precision
If sequential sampling is implemented, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main fluid flow continues uninterrupted through the system while sampling loops operate sequentially. The circulation system maintains continuous flow, and sampling occurs without stopping or pausing the primary process, thus improving monitoring accuracy through multiple time-point measurements without significant time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic sampling at predetermined time intervals through different sampling loops. This structured periodic approach allows accurate temporal monitoring of fluid characteristics while optimizing the timing and duration of each sampling event to minimize overall time loss
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 apparatus provides a means to efficiently and safely sample fluid over time, allowing for real-time analysis of cell and particle characteristics, thereby enhancing the monitoring of hyperthermia treatment effectiveness and tumor cell growth progression.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of fluid sampling loops comprises at least one filtration element adapted to retain the cells, biological materials, and/or particles when the fluid passes through each of the plurality of fluid sampling loops
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(C)
Figure 1(D)~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring cells, biological materials, and/or particles in a fluid flow system comprising a plurality of fluid sampling loops arranged substantially in parallel adapted to allow the fluid to enter each of the plurality of fluid sampling loops sequentially at different time intervals, wherein each of the plurality of fluid sampling loops comprises at least one filtration element adapted to retain the cells, biological materials, and/or particles when the fluid passes through each of the plurality of fluid sampling loops.