A microporous membrane encapsulation device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of microporous filter membrane packaging device, including first fixed part, second fixed part and sealing element, first fixed part and second fixed part buckle type connection, the sealing element is elastic sealing element, elastic sealing element is between first fixed part and second fixed part, first fixed part and second fixed part are configured to be able to be used for packaging microporous filter membrane.The packaging device of the application can be applied to ultra-low pressure membrane separation system, can prevent filter membrane deformation, can guarantee the uniformity of structure and stress during filtration, can avoid local stress concentration in assembly and use.Even when packaging or opening packaging device, filter membrane can also be avoided to damage, prevent filter membrane wrinkle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention specifically relates to a microporous filter membrane encapsulation device. Background Technology

[0002] Ultra-low pressure membrane separation typically requires membranes with very low inherent resistance and minimal unnecessary adsorption of non-retention targets. Therefore, membranes are usually designed to be as thin as possible, with a thickness of less than 50 micrometers. In ultra-low pressure membrane separation, these ultra-thin microporous membranes, suitable for ultra-low pressure separation but with limited strength, first need to be encapsulated.

[0003] Traditional membrane separation methods typically employ flange sealing, ultrasonic welding, thermocompression welding, and adhesive sealing. Among these methods, those using screws, nuts, or rotating caps can easily transmit torque to the membrane surface, causing wrinkles or damage. Ultrasonic welding, with its frictional heating, is also highly likely to damage the fragile membrane surface. Thermocompression welding directly presses the membrane onto the encapsulation material; the heat fusion and swelling of the material in its glassy state can cause irreversible deformation and damage to high-precision ultra-thin membranes. Precision laser welding causes relatively less damage, but it is costly and may require doping during membrane material processing, limiting its applicability. Ultra-low pressure membrane separation is often used in scenarios with small sample sizes and high precision requirements, typically requiring smaller equipment. Adhesive sealing presents challenges such as the release of adhesive contents that contaminate the sample and excessive adhesive application area that occupies too much of the effective membrane area, leading to high costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above situation and to overcome the defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a microporous filter membrane encapsulation device.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A microporous filter membrane encapsulation device includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, and a sealing member. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are snap-fit ​​connected. The sealing member is an elastic sealing member located between the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are configured to encapsulate the microporous filter membrane. Further, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are snap-fit ​​connected.

[0007] Furthermore, the first fixing member includes a base, and the base is connected to the second fixing member by a snap-fit.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the base is provided with a groove for assembling the elastic seal.

[0009] Furthermore, the base is provided with through holes or slots for engaging with the second fixing member; or the base is provided with a locking block configured to engage with the second fixing member.

[0010] Furthermore, the first fixture includes a first cavity configured to store a sample to be filtered.

[0011] Furthermore, the second fastener includes a support.

[0012] Furthermore, the support is provided with a placement area for placing the microporous filter membrane.

[0013] Furthermore, the support is provided with a locking block, which is configured to engage with the first fixing member; or the support is provided with a through hole or a slot for engaging with the first fixing member.

[0014] Furthermore, the card block includes an inclined transition surface.

[0015] Furthermore, the support is provided with reinforcing ribs, which are not connected to the locking block. These ribs not only limit the placement of the microporous filter membrane but also strengthen the plane of the membrane placement area. Since the ribs are not connected to the locking block, they do not enhance the connection strength between the locking block and the placement area plane, thus reducing deformation of the placement area plane caused by the locking block. In some preferred embodiments, multiple reinforcing ribs form a cavity of a certain shape. This cavity can be a functional cavity used to store pre-filled reagents. The pre-filled reagents can be lysis buffers, which lyse cells on the membrane; they can also be diluents, etc. This invention does not limit the pre-filled reagents.

[0016] Furthermore, the support has a fourth through hole, and the locking block is located in the fourth through hole. The inner side of the locking block is fixedly connected to the support, while the outer side of the locking block is not connected to the support. This reduces the connection between the locking block and the support, and when the locking block is subjected to force and deformation (because when the locking block is subjected to force, it will transmit the force to the microporous filter membrane placement area plane), it can reduce the force on the placement area plane and reduce the deformation of the placement area plane. The fourth through hole not only adjusts the force distribution on the placement area plane caused by the deformation of the locking block, but also facilitates mold opening and injection molding of the locking block.

[0017] Furthermore, the upper section of the first cavity is provided with a mounting part for mounting the corresponding cover. The mounting part can be an outwardly protruding ridge, an inwardly recessed groove, a thread, or a snap-fit ​​structure, or other suitable structures for mounting the corresponding cover.

[0018] Furthermore, the side of the first cavity is provided with a clearance structure, which can be used to allow space for the card block without affecting the engagement between the card block and the first through hole. When it is necessary to install or remove the packaging device, the card block will be pressed towards the center to ensure that the card block does not contact the first cavity, thus avoiding compression of the first cavity and damage to its structure.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0020] (1) In the packaging device of the present invention, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are snap-fitted together, and the sealing member is an elastic sealing member. When the first fixing member and the second fixing member are combined, the elastic sealing member is compressed, providing sealing pressure after contacting the membrane, making the seal tighter and preventing the sample to be filtered from flowing out laterally. Moreover, when the elastic sealing member is compressed, the side of the elastic sealing member that contacts the filter membrane does not exceed the reference surface (the reference surface is the contact surface between the support member and the microporous filter membrane, and the elastic sealing member and the snap-fit ​​structure are stressed to form prestress, ensuring the sealing effect). The elastic sealing member deforms and fills the reserved space in the groove, which on the one hand ensures the flatness of the sealing reference surface, and on the other hand can play a role in adjusting the processing error. During the assembly of the device, even if the surface of the elastic sealing member contacting the membrane is not a plane and is uniformly stressed at the same time, it can be ensured that the membrane will not be subjected to very large local pressure, resulting in uneven stress and stretching of the membrane surface. Under this system, the microporous filter membrane can meet the flatness requirements and ensure good sealing performance.

[0021] (2) This invention can be applied to ultra-low pressure membrane separation systems, preventing filter membrane deformation, ensuring structural and stress uniformity during filtration, and avoiding local stress concentration during assembly and use. Even when packaging or opening the packaging device, it can prevent damage to the filter membrane and prevent filter membrane wrinkles.

[0022] (3) In this invention, the support is provided with reinforcing ribs, which are not connected to the locking block. The reinforcing ribs not only limit the placement of the microporous filter membrane, but also strengthen the plane of the filter membrane placement area. Since the reinforcing ribs are not connected to the locking block, they do not enhance the connection strength between the locking block and the plane of the placement area, so the deformation of the locking block will cause less deformation of the plane of the placement area. In some preferred embodiments, multiple reinforcing ribs form a cavity of a certain shape. This cavity can be a cavity with certain functions, which can be used to store pre-filled reagents. The pre-filled reagents can be lysis buffers, which play a role in lysing cells on the membrane. The pre-filled reagents can also be diluents, etc. This invention does not limit the pre-filled reagents.

[0023] (4) In this invention, the support is provided with a fourth through hole, and the card block is located in the fourth through hole. The inner side of the card block is fixedly connected to the support, while the outer side of the card block is not connected to the support. Therefore, the connection between the card block and the support is reduced. When the card block is subjected to force and deforms (because when the card block is subjected to force, it will transmit the force to the plane of the microporous filter membrane placement area), the force on the plane of the placement area can be reduced, and the deformation of the plane of the placement area can be reduced. The setting of the fourth through hole can not only adjust the force distribution on the plane of the placement area caused by the deformation of the card block, but also help with mold opening and injection molding of the card block. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first fastener in Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first fixing member in Embodiment 1 (showing the structure of the first cavity).

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first fixing member in Embodiment 1 (showing the structure of the base).

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second fastener in Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a top view of the second fastener in Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first fastener in Embodiment 2.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second fastener in Embodiment 3.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the first and second fasteners combined together.

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view (showing the resilient seal and the microporous filter membrane L).

[0033] Figure 10 This is a simulation diagram of the card block under maximum deformation. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application is described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "a," "an," "a kind," "the," and similar words used in this application do not indicate quantity limitation and may indicate singular or plural. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; the terms "connected," "linked," "coupled," and similar words used in this application are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Multiple" used in this application means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this application are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects.

[0037] Example 1, refer to Appendix Figure 1-5 .

[0038] like Figure 1-5 As shown, a microporous filter membrane encapsulation device includes a first fixing member 1, a second fixing member 2, and a sealing member 3. The first fixing member 1 and the second fixing member 2 are configured to cooperate for fixing and encapsulating the microporous filter membrane. The sealing member 3 is an elastic sealing member 3, located between the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The elastic sealing member 3 is configured to seal the device, preventing the sample to be filtered from flowing out laterally during filtration. Moreover, the elastic sealing member is elastic and can deform. When the elastic sealing member comes into contact with the microporous filter membrane, it will not puncture or damage the microporous filter membrane, which helps to ensure the flatness of the microporous filter membrane surface. In some preferred embodiments, the sealing member can be an elastic sealing ring or other elastic materials, such as soft rubber.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments, the first fixing member 1 and the second fixing member 2 can be detachably connected, which facilitates the installation or opening of the packaging device. In some preferred embodiments, the first fixing member 1 and the second fixing member 2 are snap-fit ​​connected. The snap-fit ​​connection method is beneficial for installing and fixing the packaging device, and also facilitates the disassembly of the packaging device to separate the first fixing member and the second fixing member.

[0040] In some preferred methods, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first fixing member 1 includes a first cavity 4, configured to store a sample to be filtered. The first cavity 4 has a first inlet 5 and a first outlet 6, through which the sample to be filtered can enter the first cavity 4 from the first inlet 5 and exit the first cavity from the first outlet 6. In other embodiments, the first fixing member may not include the first cavity 4, and the shape of the first cavity is not limited by the present invention.

[0041] In some preferred methods, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the first fixing member 1 also includes a base 7, which can be connected to the second fixing member via a snap-fit ​​connection. The base 7 and the first cavity 4 can be fixedly connected or detachably connected. In this embodiment, the base and the first cavity are fixedly connected.

[0042] In some preferred embodiments, the base has a through hole or slot for engaging with a second fixing member; in other preferred embodiments, the base has a locking block configured to engage with the second fixing member. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the base 7 has a first through hole 8 for connecting with the second fixing member 2. The first through hole 8 can be square, circular, or other suitable shapes. In some preferred embodiments, at least one first through hole is evenly provided on the base 7, which makes the first fixing member 1 and the second fixing member 2 fit more tightly and the bonding force or force more uniform, which is beneficial for sealing the filter membrane. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the base 7 has two first through holes 8 in opposite positions.

[0043] In some preferred embodiments, the bottom surface of the base has a groove for assembling the elastic seal. The space within the groove is larger than the volume of the elastic seal, which facilitates placing the elastic seal into the groove. Furthermore, after the elastic seal is placed in the groove, there is still reserved space. When the elastic seal is compressed, it deforms and occupies this reserved space. In some preferred embodiments, the space on the base other than the groove can be used for the installation of other functional units.

[0044] In some preferred methods, such as Figure 3As shown, the bottom surface of the base 7 has an inwardly recessed pit 9, and a second through hole 10 is provided in the middle of the pit 9, which communicates with the first outlet 6. A downwardly protruding support member 11 is provided around the second through hole 10. The support member can be square, circular, triangular, other polygonal, irregular, or other suitable shapes. In some preferred embodiments, the number of support members is at least two. In some preferred embodiments, the support member 11 is a circular support member 11, which is beneficial for even force distribution. In this embodiment, for example... Figure 3 As shown, the system includes two circular support members 11 with the same center. A groove 12 is formed between the two circular support members 11 for placing an elastic seal, which can be an elastic sealing ring. In other preferred embodiments, the bottom surface of the base is a flat surface with a groove for assembling the elastic seal, but there are no support members; the groove shape can be square, circular, arc-shaped, or annular, etc.

[0045] In some preferred methods, such as Figure 3 As shown, the inner edge of the recess 9 is provided with a protrusion 13 facing the second through hole 10, which can be used to cooperate with the second fastener 2 for encapsulation.

[0046] In some preferred methods, such as Figure 4-5 As shown, the second fastener 2 includes a support 14 configured to engage with the first fastener. In some preferred embodiments, the support 14 has a placement area 16 for placing a microporous filter membrane, the placement area 16 having a flat surface to which the bottom surface of the microporous filter membrane can be fully fitted.

[0047] In some preferred methods, such as Figure 4 As shown, the support 14 is provided with a third through hole 17, which is connected to the inlet of the second cavity 15. The third through hole 17 is located inside the placement area 16, and the third through hole 17 facilitates the outflow of filtrate.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, a locking block 18 is provided on the support 14 at a position corresponding to the first through hole 8. The locking block 18 is configured to engage with the first through hole 8 on the first fixing member 1, thereby achieving the connection between the first fixing member 1 and the second fixing member 2. In other preferred embodiments, the support is provided with a through hole or a slot for engaging with the locking block on the first fixing member.

[0049] In some preferred embodiments, the card block 18 includes an inclined transition surface 19, which facilitates the engagement of the card block 18 with the card slot or through hole. Once the card block 18 enters the card slot or through hole, it is not easy to fall out, resulting in a more secure engagement and facilitating the encapsulation of the filter membrane.

[0050] In some preferred methods, such as Figure 4As shown, the support 14 has a fourth through hole 32, and the locking block 18 is located in the fourth through hole 32. The inner side of the locking block 18 is fixedly connected to the support, while the outer side of the locking block 18 is not connected to the support. Therefore, the connection between the locking block 18 and the support is reduced. When the locking block 18 is subjected to force and deforms (because when the locking block 18 is subjected to force, it will transmit the force to the filter membrane placement area plane), the force on the placement area plane can be reduced, and the deformation of the placement area plane can be reduced. The setting of the fourth through hole 32 can not only adjust the force distribution on the placement area plane caused by the deformation of the locking block 18, but also facilitate mold opening and injection molding of the locking block 18.

[0051] The space on the second fixture, excluding the third through hole 17, the microporous filter membrane placement area 16, the locking block 18, and the fourth through hole 32, can be used for the design of other functional units.

[0052] In some preferred methods, such as Figure 4 As shown, the support 14 is also provided with a retaining strip 20, which can limit the placement of the microporous filter membrane. In some preferred embodiments, the retaining strip 20 is not connected to the retaining block 18; this prevents the retaining block 18 from transmitting excessive force to the microporous filter membrane placement area, causing deformation of the microporous filter membrane. In some preferred embodiments, the inner side of the retaining strip 20 is provided with an arc-shaped surface 21, which facilitates the placement and removal of the microporous filter membrane.

[0053] Adding a retaining strip 20 or a similar structure, or other shapes or orientations of reinforcing bars to the support 14, such as... Figure 7 The structure shown, in conjunction with an elastic seal (the size of which can be selected accordingly), can alter the prestress within the second fixing member. This structure (such as the clip 20 or a similar structure or rib) strengthens the plane of the filter membrane placement area 16 without enhancing the connection strength between the clip 18 and the plane of the placement area 16. Therefore, the deformation of the clip 18 will cause less deformation of the plane of the placement area. Of course, the pressure transmitted from the clip 18 to the plane may also be reduced. This requires adjusting the size and elasticity of the elastic seal to ensure that the prestress formed by the force transmitted to the plane by the clip structure and the interaction force between the elastic seal and the clip is greater than the external interference force. This ensures that the deformation of the filter membrane caused by the deformation of the plane of the placement area 16 is less than the maximum acceptable range, while stably guaranteeing the sealing performance of the device.

[0054] In some preferred embodiments, the support 14 is provided with a platform 22 that can engage with the recess 9. In some preferred embodiments, the platform 22 is provided with a recess 23 that is configured to engage with a protrusion 13 on the first fastener 1.

[0055] In some preferred embodiments, the second fixing member 2 includes a second cavity 15, and the support 14 and the second cavity 15 can be fixedly connected or detachably connected. In other embodiments, the support 14 may not have a second cavity, and the third opening can be used to connect other filtrate receiving devices or connecting pipes.

[0056] In some preferred embodiments, the second chamber 15 is provided with a guide vane 24, which can guide the liquid through percolation filtration when the pressure is very low.

[0057] The method of using the microporous filter membrane encapsulation device is as follows:

[0058] (1) Place the microporous filter membrane in the placement area 16 on the second fixing member 2, so that the bottom surface of the microporous filter membrane is in contact with the surface of the placement area 16.

[0059] (2) When the first fixing member 1 and the second fixing member 2 are fastened together, the elastic sealing member in the groove is compressed by force to achieve sealing, and the sample will not flow out laterally.

[0060] The elastic seal in the groove deforms, and the elastic seal deforms to the left and right sides first, occupying the reserved space in the groove (because after the first and second fixing parts are combined, the elastic seal can hardly move in the vertical direction).

[0061] In this embodiment, the first fixing member 1 and the second fixing member 2 are fastened together. After the first fixing member and the second fixing member are combined, the locking block 18 on the second fixing member engages with the first through hole 8 on the first fixing member 1. Since the height of the elastic sealing member is greater than the height of the support member 11, the elastic sealing member is compressed after contacting the upper surface of the microporous filter membrane. Because there is a reserved space in the groove 12, the elastic sealing member will be preferentially compressed into the reserved space in the groove 12. The contact surface between the elastic sealing member and the microporous filter membrane is subjected to pressure perpendicular to the microporous filter membrane. In this way, while sealing, no tangential or uneven tensile force is applied to the microporous filter membrane, ensuring the flatness of the membrane. The elastic sealing member is in close contact with the microporous filter membrane, thus forming a sealed membrane filtration space. During the filtration process, the sample will not flow out laterally.

[0062] In this embodiment, after the first fixing member 1 and the second fixing member 2 are fastened together, the elastic sealing member 3 is compressed to provide sealing pressure after contacting the membrane. Simultaneously, after the elastic sealing member 3 is compressed and retracted, the side of the sealing member in contact with the membrane does not exceed the reference surface (the reference surface is the contact surface between the support member and the microporous filter membrane; the elastic sealing member and the snap-fit ​​structure are stressed to form prestress, ensuring a sealing effect). The elastic sealing member 3 deforms to fill the reserved space in the groove. This function ensures the flatness of the sealing reference surface and also helps adjust for processing errors. During device assembly, even if the membrane surface contacted by the elastic sealing member 3 is not a flat plane and is subjected to uniform force, it can ensure that the membrane will not be subjected to excessive pressure locally, resulting in uneven stress and stretching of the membrane surface. Under this system, the microporous filter membrane can meet the flatness requirements and ensure the sealing requirements.

[0063] In some preferred embodiments, the first and second fasteners are made of polyphenylene sulfone resin (PPSU), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), or other materials of similar hardness.

[0064] This structure can be used in gravity-driven membrane separation devices for dead-end filtration, as well as in circulating membrane separation devices for side-flow filtration.

[0065] Example 2, refer to Appendix Figure 6 , 8.

[0066] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the first fixing member includes a first cavity and a base, and the first cavity is shaped similarly to a cone. In other embodiments, the shape of the first cavity may be cuboid, cube, cylinder, or other shapes; the present invention does not limit the specific shape of the first cavity.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments, the upper section of the first cavity is provided with a mounting portion for mounting a corresponding cover. The mounting portion can be an outwardly protruding ridge, an inwardly recessed groove, a thread, or a snap-fit ​​structure, or other suitable structures for mounting the corresponding cover. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6 As shown in Figure 8, the outer side of the first cavity 4 is provided with an outwardly protruding ridge 30 for engaging with the lid.

[0068] In some preferred methods, such as Figure 8 As shown, the side of the first cavity is provided with a clearance structure 33, which can be used to make way for the card block without affecting the engagement between the card block and the first through hole. When it is necessary to install or remove the packaging device, the card block will be pressed towards the center to ensure that the card block does not contact the first cavity, thereby avoiding the pressure on the first cavity and damaging its structure.

[0069] Other implementations in this embodiment can be the same as or similar to Embodiment 1 (the second fastener in this embodiment can be the structure in Embodiment 1 or a structure similar to that in Embodiment 1).

[0070] Example 3, refer to Appendix Figure 7-9 .

[0071] In this embodiment, the second fastener 2 includes a support 14, which is configured to engage with the first fastener. In some preferred embodiments, such as... Figure 7 As shown, a locking block 18 is connected to the support 14, and a reinforcing rib is also provided on the support 14 (the reinforcing rib can be in the form of a locking strip 20 or a similar form). The reinforcing rib is not connected to the locking block. The reinforcing rib not only limits the placement of the microporous filter membrane, but also strengthens the plane of the filter membrane placement area 16. Since the reinforcing rib is not connected to the locking block, it does not enhance the connection strength between the locking block and the plane of the placement area 16, so the deformation of the locking block will cause less deformation of the plane of the placement area. In this embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, multiple reinforcing ribs form a cavity 31 of a certain shape. This cavity can be a cavity with certain functions, which can be used to store pre-filled reagents. The pre-filled reagents can be lysis buffers, which can play the role of lysing cells on the membrane. The pre-filled reagents can also be diluents, etc. The present invention does not limit the pre-filled reagents.

[0072] Other implementation methods in this embodiment may be the same as or similar to those in Embodiment 1. The first fastener in this embodiment may be the structure in Embodiment 1 or a structure similar to that in Embodiment 1.

[0073] The first fastener in this embodiment can also be the structure in Embodiment 2 or a structure similar to that in Embodiment 2.

[0074] Example 4

[0075] In this embodiment, the first and second fixing members are made of polyphenylene sulfone resin (PPSU), and the first fixing member is cup-shaped (e.g., Figure 3 As shown), the second fixing member with the chamber structure support (such as...) Figure 4 (As shown) and a silicone ring seal with an inner diameter of 13mm, a wire diameter of 1.8mm, and a hardness of 30HA. The filter membrane used is a square parylene flexible microporous array filter membrane with a side length of 17mm, a thickness of 10 micrometers, and a porosity of 40%.

[0076] In this embodiment, the microporous filter membrane encapsulation device described above is used to fix and encapsulate the microporous filter membrane.

[0077] The slight deformation of the filter membrane after encapsulation depends only on the elastic deformation of the placement area 16 plane during the assembly process due to the snap-fit ​​structure (the snap-fit ​​structure is the structure after the snap-fit ​​block and the through hole are combined). The maximum total deformation of the filter membrane is less than 0.05mm, which meets the product requirements.

[0078] The liquid sample to be separated is poured into the first cavity of the first fixture. The liquid passes through the second through hole 10 and the microporous filter membrane. Then the filtered liquid flows away from the lower guide tube.

[0079] Under a negative pressure of 500 Pa, different samples were tested. It took 5 seconds to filter 3 mL of anhydrous ethanol, 9 seconds to filter 5 mL of pure water, 5 minutes to filter 3 mL of whole blood from a healthy person, 45 seconds to filter 3 mL of 45% (v / v) glycerol aqueous solution, and 20 minutes to filter whole blood from a cancer patient.

[0080] After filtration, the assembly was opened for observation. No liquid entered the part of the filter membrane outside the seal, and there were no traces of liquid seepage into the inner wall of the groove 12. The target object separated on the membrane remained in the area within the corresponding second through hole 10 of the filter membrane. The filter membrane can be removed to further analyze and detect the separated objects such as cells in this area.

[0081] Example 5

[0082] In this embodiment, the first and second fasteners are made of polycarbonate (PC), and are manufactured using materials such as... Figure 3 The first fastener and the second fastener shown (e.g.) Figure 4 (As shown) and a fluororubber sealing ring with an inner diameter of 13.5 mm and a wire diameter of 1.3 mm and a hardness of 80HA. The filter membrane used is a polycarbonate microporous filter membrane with a diameter of 19 mm, a thickness of 10 micrometers, and a porosity of 10%.

[0083] Using the assembly method described in Example 1, in this example, the microporous filter membrane encapsulation device described above is used to fix and encapsulate the microporous filter membrane.

[0084] After encapsulation, the filter membrane undergoes slight deformation. During assembly, the placement area 16 plane experiences elastic deformation due to the deformation of the locking block. Specifically, the simulation diagram of the locking block at its maximum deformation during assembly is shown below. Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 In the middle, the material used for the second fastener is polycarbonate (PC). When the block is displaced by 0.5mm, the maximum deformation of the block is 0.70459mm. The maximum deformation of the placement area plane caused by the deformation of the block is less than 0.08mm. Figure 10In the diagram, different colors correspond to different deformation sizes. 0.01 indicates a deformation of 0.01 mm, the blue at the bottom indicates a deformation between 0 and 0.01 mm, and the light blue indicates a deformation between 0.01 and 0.02 mm. Because the microporous membrane is located on the plane of the placement area (the microporous membrane is very thin and almost completely adheres to the plane of the placement area), the maximum deformation of the microporous membrane is less than the maximum deformation of the plane of the second fixing member membrane placement area. Therefore, the corresponding deformation of this microporous membrane is within an acceptable range. (For different types of membranes, a deformation of less than 3% is considered acceptable; for example, for a membrane with a working diameter of 12 mm, an acceptable deformation is less than 360 μm).

[0085] After encapsulation, the liquid sample to be separated is poured into the first cavity of the first fixture. The liquid passes through the second through hole 10 and the microporous filter membrane, and then the filtered liquid flows away from the lower guide tube.

[0086] Under a negative pressure of 1 kPa, different samples were tested. It took 5 seconds to filter 3 mL of anhydrous ethanol, 20 seconds to filter 5 mL of pure water, 12 minutes to filter 3 mL of whole blood from a healthy person, 5 minutes to filter 3 mL of 45% glycerol aqueous solution, and 40 minutes to filter whole blood from a cancer patient.

[0087] After filtration, the assembly was opened for observation. No liquid entered the part of the filter membrane outside the sealing ring, and there were no traces of liquid seepage into the inner wall of the groove 12. The target object separated on the membrane remained in the area within the corresponding second through hole 10 of the filter membrane. The filter membrane can be removed to further analyze and detect the separated objects such as cells in this area.

[0088] Comparative Example 1

[0089] Patent CN201822275843.9 describes a sealing device using magnets and Teflon fasteners. The filter membrane used is a square parylene flexible microporous array filter membrane with a side length of 17 mm, a thickness of 10 micrometers, and a porosity of 40%. Filtering 3 mL of whole blood from a healthy person took 4 minutes with no visible leakage. However, filtering 3 mL of whole blood from a patient took 20 minutes, after which liquid began to seep from the edges of the gaps between the upper and lower fasteners. Furthermore, this sealing method requires the use of high-cost, high-strength neodymium iron boron permanent magnets, and repeated assembly and disassembly require considerable skill. Using it in an environment with ferrous objects also poses a significant risk of accidents.

[0090] Comparative Example 2

[0091] The filter membrane used is a square parylene flexible microporous array filter membrane with a side length of 17 mm, a thickness of 10 micrometers, and a porosity of 40%. The microporous filter membrane can also be sealed by upper and lower fixing parts secured with screws or rotating clips. Strict control of the synchronous pressure application of each screw can prevent filter membrane damage.

[0092] Compared with Example 1, the membrane used in both examples is the same membrane with a yield tensile strength of about 3%. Under the encapsulation conditions in Comparative Example 2, due to local stress concentration near the screw, the membrane deformed by more than 300 μm within a length of 10 mm, resulting in irreversible plastic deformation. Obvious tortuous lines and even local pore wall damage were found. When filtering a 3 mL whole blood sample, it would cause the accumulation of cells in the lines during blood filtration.

[0093] Those skilled in the art should understand that the technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments have been described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0094] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A microporous filter membrane encapsulation device, characterized in that, The device includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, and a sealing member. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. The sealing member is an elastic sealing member located between the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are configured to encapsulate a microporous filter membrane. The first fixing member includes a base, which is connected to the second fixing member by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. The bottom surface of the base has a groove for assembling the elastic sealing member. The elastic sealing member deforms to fill the reserved space in the groove. The base has a through hole or a slot for engaging with the second fixing member; or the base has a locking block configured to engage with the second fixing member. The first fixture includes a first cavity configured to store a sample to be filtered. The second fixing member includes a support, which has a placement area for placing a microporous filter membrane; the support has a locking block, which is configured to engage with the first fixing member, or the support has a through hole or a slot for engaging with the first fixing member, the locking block includes an inclined transition surface, and the support has reinforcing ribs that are not connected to the locking block.

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