Analysis Cartridge Filter Unit Foil Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently processing small volumes of biological fluids like blood with minimal fluid loss and cost-effective manufacturing, particularly in filtering and optical examination.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design featuring a filter unit integrated into a foil with apertures, where the filter material is sandwiched between two foils, allowing for efficient fluid processing and optical examination, utilizing roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques for cost-effectiveness and minimal fluid loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a filter material is attached to an adhesive capillary structure made of double-sided tape, then fluid can be filtered and passed to processing chambers, but fluid loss occurs during transport between the filter and processing chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The filter material is directly integrated into the processing chamber structure, eliminating the need for separate adhesive capillary structures and transport paths. This merging of the filter and processing chamber eliminates fluid loss during transport while reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid-treatment element serves as an intermediary component that is directly coupled to the processing chamber, allowing treated fluid to enter the chamber immediately without requiring separate transport mechanisms, thus preventing fluid loss.
2Loss of substance
If the processing chamber is disposed adjacent to the fluid-treatment element, then small quantities of fluid can be processed with minimal losses, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into distinct functional segments (filter unit with foils and processing chamber) that can be manufactured separately using different techniques (roll-to-roll for foils, injection molding for chamber) and then assembled, simplifying overall manufacturing while maintaining adjacent positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing chamber serves multiple functions: it receives treated fluid directly from the filter, provides a containment volume for the fluid, and enables optical examination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, easing manufacturing despite the adjacent positioning requirement.
3Ease of manufacture
If roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques are used for the filter unit, then production becomes cost-effective, but precision of filter material integration may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filter material is implemented as a thin film integrated between foils, which can be efficiently manufactured using roll-to-roll techniques. The thin film nature allows for precise integration while maintaining cost-effectiveness through high-speed continuous manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized foil and filter material components are manufactured using roll-to-roll techniques with precise tooling and fixtures that replicate the desired geometry and aperture patterns, ensuring manufacturing precision is maintained despite the use of cost-effective continuous manufacturing processes.
4Quantity of substance
If the processing chamber has a small total volume (less than 1 μl), then small volumes of biological samples can be processed, but the chamber geometry becomes more difficult to design and manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing a complex three-dimensional micro-volume chamber, the invention uses a simplified planar geometry where the processing chamber is formed by the arrangement of foils and filter material in two dimensions, making manufacturing easier while maintaining small fluid volume capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing chamber utilizes thin foil structures that can be easily formed into the required geometry using standard manufacturing techniques, avoiding the need for complex three-dimensional micro-fabrication processes while maintaining small volume capabilities.
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
Enables efficient processing of small biological fluid volumes with minimal loss, facilitating optical examination and cost-effective production, suitable for applications like fingerprick blood samples.
Implementation Method 1
a filter material that is permeable to at least a part of the fluid to be processed
Implementation Method 2
The processing chamber may optionally comprise a transparent side face that allows for the optical examination of the treated fluid in said processing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge for processing a fluid which features a fluid-treatment element that is permeable to at least a part of the fluid, and a processing chamber that is disposed adjacent to the fluid-treatment element. The treated fluid which passes the fluid-treatment element is processed in the processing chamber.