Random Access Multi-Disc Centrifuge for Batch Processing Bottlenecks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current blood typing centrifuges require all cards to be loaded in batch mode, leading to increased centrifugation and analysis cycle times due to the need to wait for the completion of each separation cycle.

Innovation Solution

A centrifuge with multiple independently accessible rotors and a control system that allows for the selective rotation and centrifugation of containers, enabling individual cards to be processed without waiting for a full cycle to complete, using disc drivers and a controller to manage the centrifugation time of each disc.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If cards are loaded in batch mode, then the centrifuge can process multiple cards, but the overall cycle time increases because the centrifuge must wait for all cards to be loaded before starting separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of cards processedVSAvoidcentrifugation cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The centrifuge is divided into multiple independent rotor assemblies, each capable of being loaded and processed separately. This allows different cards to be in different stages of processing simultaneously, eliminating the need to wait for batch completion before starting new separations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cards can be pre-loaded onto rotor assemblies while other cards are being processed in separate rotors. The system allows preparation and loading actions to occur in advance and in parallel with ongoing centrifugation processes, reducing idle waiting time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the centrifuge processes cards in batch mode, then it maintains simple operation, but productivity decreases due to idle waiting time between cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcards processed per unit time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The centrifuge system dynamically manages multiple rotor assemblies with independent control, allowing the operator to start, stop, and adjust different rotors based on immediate needs. This dynamic control enables continuous processing without requiring complex batch coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

While one rotor is completing its 10-minute separation cycle, other rotors can be loaded with new cards and started. This ensures that the centrifuge system continuously performs useful separation work without idle waiting periods between batches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of time

If multiple rotors are used with independent control, then centrifugation time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall centrifugation timeVSAvoidnumber of disc drivers and controllers

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple rotor assemblies use standardized components and interfaces, allowing a single type of disc driver and controller to manage all rotors. This universal design reduces the variety of unique parts needed while still enabling independent control of each rotor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses identical copies of rotor assemblies, disc drivers, and control modules for each rotor position. This replication approach simplifies the control architecture by using repeated standard units rather than custom-designed components for each rotor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 approach reduces overall centrifugation time and analysis cycle time by allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple cards with varying centrifugation times, enhancing the efficiency of blood typing procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of centrifuge discs each disc having an attachment for attaching a container containing a liquid to be centrifuged; a disc driver positioned to engage and rotate the discs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS7803101B2Random access multi-disc centrifuge

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 ORTHO CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

A centrifuge includes: a plurality of centrifuge discs each disc having an attachment for attaching a container containing a liquid to be centrifuged; a disc driver positioned to engage and rotate the discs; a disc engager/disengager for individually moving each of said discs into and out of contact with the disc driver; and a controller for controlling which discs are engaged or disengaged from the disc driver and the amount of time each disc is centrifuged. In another embodiment, the centrifuge includes a plurality of disc drivers positioned to engage and rotate the discs, wherein the rotation of discs are controlled by the plurality of disc drivers; and a controller for controlling which discs are rotated by the plurality of disc drivers and the amount of time the discs are centrifuged by individually controlling each disc driver.