Syringe System for Fat Cell Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating fat cells from lipoaspirate solutions, such as gravity separation and centrifugation, are time-consuming and inefficient, leading to increased risks of contamination and cell damage, and require multiple containers and syringes, which can cause complications during autologous fat transfer procedures.
Innovation Solution
A syringe system with a hollow plunging tube and perforated plunger seal allows for the separation of liquids of different densities, enabling the efficient isolation of fat cells from oil and debris layers without exposing them to the environment, using a mechanism that allows the less-dense liquids to pass through a controllable opening, thereby simplifying the separation process and reducing the need for multiple containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravity separation is used to separate fat cells from lipoaspirate, then separation can be achieved, but the process takes 20-30 minutes and requires multiple syringes and containers
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is segmented into multiple chambers separated by frangible barriers. The first chamber receives lipoaspirate and allows gravity separation of oil layer from fat cells. The frangible barrier segments the syringe into functional zones, enabling in-syringe separation without requiring external containers or multiple syringes, thus reducing time while maintaining separation effectiveness.
2Productivity
If centrifugation is used to separate fat cells, then separation speed is improved, but the process still requires multiple syringes and containers to isolate the fat layer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the separation function and containment function into a single syringe device. Multiple chambers within one syringe perform both separation and containment, eliminating the need for multiple syringes and external containers. This reduces device complexity while maintaining centrifugation separation speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe contains nested chambers within a single device structure. The first chamber for separation, second chamber for fat storage, and frangible barriers are nested within one syringe body, allowing multiple functions to be performed without requiring multiple external containers.
3Reliability
If multiple syringes and containers are used to isolate fat cells, then complete isolation is achieved, but the procedure becomes more complex and increases contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines isolation and containment functions within a single closed syringe system. The frangible barriers and sealed chambers provide complete isolation of fat cells from the external environment throughout the procedure, eliminating the need to transfer between multiple containers and thus reducing contamination risk while maintaining isolation completeness.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple separation steps are performed, then thorough separation is achieved, but the procedure time increases and patient safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is segmented into functional chambers that perform separation, storage, and protection functions in sequence within a single device. This allows thorough separation to be achieved through controlled gravity separation in the first chamber, followed by protected storage in the second chamber, all within one continuous process that reduces overall procedure time and patient safety risks.
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 solution reduces the time and complexity of fat cell separation, minimizing the risk of contamination and trauma to the cells, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of the fat transfer procedure and reducing the risk of anesthesia-associated complications.
Implementation Method 1
separating liquids of different densities by allowing the less-dense liquids that form the top layer(s) of a separated solution to pass through a controllable opening in the device
Implementation Method 2
placing the syringe in a centrifuge. The centrifuge rotates at approximately 1000 rpm for two to three minutes, allowing three layers to form: a more-dense blood and debris layer on the bottom, a desired fat cell layer in the middle, and a less-dense oil layer on top
Data Source
AI summary
A syringe device for separating liquids of different densities is provided with a hollow syringe barrel, a perforated plunger seal with a seal hole, and a hollow plunging tube with a closed bottom with at least one tube hole. The perforated plunger seal has an outer perimeter that resides flush against an interior surface of the hollow syringe barrel. The tube hole is in operational relationship with the seal hole. Optionally, a relief hole is provided on a top portion of the hollow plunging tube to allow a user to create vacuum pressure as necessary.