Platelet Separator Tertiary Centrifugal Chamber Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current platelet collection methods result in side effects during blood transfusion due to high plasma content in platelet preparations, necessitating the development of a device that can efficiently separate and recover washed platelets with low plasma content.
Innovation Solution
A platelet separator and recovery device utilizing a tertiary separation unit with a main body portion featuring different bottom heights and a recovery unit positioned away from the outflow portion, allowing for effective centrifugal separation and recovery of platelets with a platelet additive solution to replace plasma, thereby reducing plasma content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If platelets are collected by conventional centrifugal separation, then platelets can be obtained, but the plasma content remains high causing transfusion side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes plasma from the platelet preparation through a specialized separation chamber. The chamber design allows plasma to be separated and discharged through an outflow port while retaining platelets, effectively taking out the harmful substance (plasma) that causes transfusion side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation chamber has non-uniform thickness with different bottom portions at different heights. This local variation in chamber geometry creates different flow paths and retention characteristics for platelets versus plasma, allowing selective removal of plasma while preserving platelets.
2Quantity of substance
If a simple outflow configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but platelet loss occurs during plasma removal
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into distinct functional zones: a separation chamber for plasma-platelet separation, an accommodating portion for platelet collection, and separate inflow/outflow ports. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently, minimizing platelet loss while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the separation process by having the outflow port positioned at a different height than the chamber bottom. This dimensional approach creates a plasma removal path that does not interfere with platelet accumulation, enabling effective separation without complex mechanical structures.
3Productivity
If the outflow port is positioned at the lowest point, then plasma drainage is maximized, but platelets are lost with the outflow
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber thickness varies locally, with the bottom portion near the outflow port being thinner than other portions. This local geometric variation creates a flow pattern where plasma is preferentially directed toward the outflow port while platelets are retained in the thicker chamber regions, achieving both efficient plasma removal and platelet conservation.
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 reliably and efficiently obtains washed platelets with low plasma content, minimizing transfusion side effects by effectively separating and recovering platelets while removing excess plasma.
Implementation Method 1
a main body portion including a chamber accommodating a platelet-containing component and capable of separating the platelet-containing component into platelets and another component by a centrifugal force being applied
Implementation Method 2
capable of separating the platelet-containing component into platelets and another component by a centrifugal force being applied
Data Source
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AI summary
A container (58) constitutes a platelet separator (tertiary separator (42)) separating a platelet-containing component into platelets and another component by applying a centrifugal force. An inflow portion (77α) configured to allow the platelet-containing component to flow into a third chamber (52) and configured to allow a platelet additive solution to flow in and an accommodating portion (54a) accommodating the platelets are disposed in the container (58). Also disposed in the container (58) are an opening (78a) of an outflow port (78) allowing at least an outflow of the other component and an opening (79a) of a recovery port (79) disposed in a place different than the opening (78a) and recovering the platelets and the platelet additive solution.