Viscoelastic Coagulation Measurement With Low-Friction Pin-Cup Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thromboelastometric measurement devices suffer from reduced signal-to-noise ratios and measurement accuracy when dealing with diluted or pre-treated blood samples, leading to increased variability and difficulty in defining decision trigger values, particularly in cases of massive blood loss or infusion.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus design with a pin and cup configuration that reduces weight load on bearings, minimizes contamination sensitivity, and incorporates robust detection means, allowing for improved measurement accuracy and handling, suitable for both standard and diluted or pre-treated blood samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional thromboelastometric measurement devices are used, then standard blood samples can be measured, but measurement precision deteriorates when dealing with diluted or pre-treated blood samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key measurement parameters including the geometry of the pin and cup (dimensions, shapes), the frequency and amplitude of oscillation, and the mass of the pin to optimize sensitivity for diluted or pre-treated blood samples. These parameter changes enable the device to maintain measurement precision across different sample types by adjusting the measurement conditions to match the reduced viscoelastic signal strength in diluted samples.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If heavier detection means are used to improve signal detection, then detection capability is enhanced, but weight load on bearings increases causing increased friction and reduced measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical detection systems with lighter optical or electromagnetic detection methods. Instead of using massive mechanical components to detect viscoelastic changes, the invention employs optical sensors or electromagnetic fields that can detect minute movements of a lightweight pin with minimal friction, thereby maintaining high detection capability while eliminating the negative effects of heavy bearing loads.
3Ease of operation
If bearings are used to support rotating components, then device operation is enabled, but friction and contamination sensitivity increase reducing measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the bearing component from the measurement system. By removing the rotating bearing that causes friction and contamination sensitivity, the invention achieves bearingless rotation of the pin or cup through alternative mechanisms such as magnetic levitation, air bearings, or direct electromagnetic actuation. This extraction of the problematic bearing component directly improves measurement reliability by eliminating the primary sources of friction and contamination.
4Ease of operation
If sensitivity to contamination is reduced to improve robustness, then ease of operation is enhanced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems that are sensitive to contamination with non-contact optical or electromagnetic detection methods. These substitution methods allow the measurement of viscoelastic properties through fields that do not require physical contact with the sample, thereby achieving both robustness against contamination and high measurement precision simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis, for example in coagulation testing of sample liquids, such as blood and/or its elements. In the apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis, the rotating means are provided below the cup, pin and cup receiving element. The present invention further provides capacitive detection means and temperature control devices, which may be used in the apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis. The present invention further provides a method of performing viscoelastic analysis, e.g. coagulation analysis, on a sample using the devices and apparatuses.