Spinning Membrane Separator for Automated Blood Component Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current blood separation and processing methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, particularly in the manual separation and washing of blood components, which can lead to suboptimal storage characteristics and increased risk of transfusion-related reactions due to residual plasma content in red blood cell products.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a spinning membrane separator with a pair of relatively rotating surfaces, one of which carries a membrane that allows non-cellular material to pass through while retaining cellular material, enabling efficient separation and washing of blood components, including the use of additive solutions to minimize plasma content and improve storage parameters of red blood cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual centrifugation and decanting methods are used for blood component separation and cell washing, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the processing time is excessive and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-assembles all processing components (separator, containers, tubing) into a ready-to-use configuration before blood processing begins. The separator is pre-loaded with the membrane assembly, and all fluid pathways are pre-established, eliminating the need for manual assembly during the time-critical processing phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system performs all separation and washing operations without manual intervention. The control system automatically manages fluid flow, timing, and sequence of operations, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating labor-intensive manual manipulation of blood components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If repeated manual manipulation and assembly of fluid processing apparatus are performed for cell washing, then the process can be flexible and adaptable, but the potential for human error increases and processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror reductionVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple processing functions (separation, washing, concentration) into a single integrated automated platform. All operations occur within one continuous closed-loop system, eliminating the need to manually assemble and disassemble different apparatus between steps, thereby reducing errors while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If traditional centrifugal separation is used for blood component processing, then the equipment is simple and widely available, but the processing is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical centrifugal separation with a membrane-based separation mechanism driven by pressure differentials. This substitution enables continuous automated processing with higher throughput, while the membrane separator remains a relatively simple device that can be manufactured and sterilized efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If manual blood component processing is performed, then the process can be adjusted flexibly, but the risk of human error and contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination riskVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs all blood processing operations automatically within a closed-loop configuration, eliminating human contact with blood components during processing. The automated control system manages all fluid transfers, separation parameters, and washing sequences, minimizing contamination risk while maintaining the flexibility to handle different blood product types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the time and labor required for blood processing, minimizes manual manipulation, and enhances the storage characteristics of red blood cells by maintaining higher ATP and 2,3-DPG levels, thereby reducing hemolysis and the risk of transfusion-related reactions.

Implementation Method 1

a membrane that allows non-cellular material to pass therethrough and substantially prevents the passing of cellular material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a spinning membrane separator with a pair of relatively rotating surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3028724B1Membrane separation and washing devices, systems and methods employing same

Publication Date: 2019.05.01 FENWAL INC

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AI summary

A method of separating blood into two or more components and subsequently washing a component, comprising providing a blood storage container containing an initial blood composition, and a blood separation circuit comprising a separator. The method also comprises separating and washing cellular material within the same blood separation circuit.