Annular IV Filter Design for High Flow Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IV set filters often fail to provide adequate fluid flow rates, are complex in design, and difficult to manufacture cost-effectively, which can hinder efficient blood transfusions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed filter design features an annular configuration with an outer and inner filter media, allowing for increased filtration area and flow rate while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional filter design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but fluid flow rate is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing an inner filter inside an outer filter, creating a concentric dual-filter structure. The inner filter is positioned within the outer filter's interior space, allowing both filters to function simultaneously without requiring separate housing or complex assembly mechanisms. This nested configuration increases the total filtration area and improves fluid flow rate while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as both filters can be produced using standard processes and assembled through straightforward insertion.
2Productivity
If conventional filter design is used, then manufacturing cost-effectiveness is maintained, but fluid flow rate is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nested dual-filter design allows both filters to be manufactured using conventional processes and assembled through simple insertion, maintaining cost-effectiveness while doubling the filtration area to improve fluid flow rate
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system is segmented into two independent filter elements (inner and outer filters) that can be manufactured separately using standard processes. This segmentation allows each filter to be produced independently at conventional cost structures, then assembled together to achieve enhanced flow rate without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
3Area of stationary object
If single filter design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but filtration area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the inner filter within the outer filter, the patent effectively doubles the filtration area within a compact cylindrical structure. The inner filter utilizes the central region while the outer filter utilizes the annular region between the inner filter and outer housing, maximizing the use of available space without requiring a larger overall footprint or more complex structural arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-filter design to a dual-filter design by adding a radial dimension to the filtration area. Instead of increasing the length or cross-sectional area of a single filter, the invention creates concentric filtration layers at different radial positions, effectively utilizing the radial dimension to multiply the total filtration area without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
The annular filter design enhances fluid flow rates and stabilizes flow, providing improved pressure gradients and reduced complexity in manufacturing, thus addressing the limitations of conventional filters.
Implementation Method 1
the outer filter media is configured to permit a first flow from the annulus toward an outlet portion of the outer filter and capture particulate from the first flow
Implementation Method 2
the inner filter media is configured to permit a second flow from the annulus toward the inner flow channel and capture particulate from the second flow
Data Source
AI summary
Filter assemblies are described herein. A filter assembly includes an outer filter with an outer filter media and an inner filter with an inner filter media. The inner filter media defines an inner flow channel. The inner filter is disposed within the outer filter, defining an annulus between the outer filter and the inner filter. The outer filter media is configured to permit a first flow from the annulus toward an outlet portion of the outer filter and capture particulate from the first flow. The inner filter media is configured to permit a second flow from the annulus toward the inner flow channel and capture particulate from the second flow.