Biofluid Filtration Device With Flexible Squeeze Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biofluid sample processing methods face challenges such as leakage, contamination, variability, and inability to standardize quantitative collection, particularly in separating human cells from non-human components like viruses, which affects the accuracy of diagnostic assays and pharmacogenomic applications.

Innovation Solution

A filtration device and method that allows for self-contained, multi-functional processing of biofluid samples, enabling size-based separation of human and non-human components, isolation of genetic material, and standardized quantitative collection, using a collection container with a filter device and a plunger system to separate and process biofluid samples efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sample transfer steps are used for biofluid processing, then sample purification can be achieved, but cumulative variability increases and sample loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample purification qualityVSAvoidcumulative variability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sample processing functions (filtration, transfer, purification) into a single integrated device architecture. The collection container with integrated filter and quantitative container eliminates the need for separate transfer steps between different devices, thereby reducing cumulative variability while maintaining purification quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collection container is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs both filtration and quantitative collection in one device. This universal design allows the same container to handle both separation and transfer functions, eliminating sample loss associated with multiple transfers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional filtration methods are used, then sample separation can be achieved, but leakage occurs increasing contamination risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample separationVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The quantitative container is nested within the collection container, creating a hierarchical structure where the inner container receives filtered sample through sealed interfaces. This nested design ensures that the sample remains contained within sealed boundaries throughout the filtration process, preventing leakage and contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated filter acts as an intermediary component between the collection container and quantitative container, enabling sample separation while maintaining sealed connections. The filter membrane provides both separation functionality and a sealed interface that prevents leakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If standard collection methods are used, then sample collection can be performed, but quantitative standardization cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoidquantitative standardization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The collection container is pre-designed with an integrated filter and defined volume capacity. This preliminary configuration ensures that when sample is collected and filtered, the quantitative container automatically receives a standardized volume without requiring additional measurement or transfer steps, achieving both efficiency and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution effectively reduces contamination risks, minimizes variability, and enhances the accuracy of diagnostic assays by providing pure DNA for pharmacogenomic applications and improving the sensitivity of infectious disease assays through standardized sample processing.

Implementation Method 1

a filter device that upon an application of force separates the biofluid sample into a filtered component collected in the quantitative chamber and a retained component which remains in the collection chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSize filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10830677B2Biofluid collection and filtration device

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 CELLECTGEN

AI summary

A filtration device is disclosed for filtering debris from a biofluid sample. In at least one embodiment, the filtration device provides a collection container having a collection chamber defined by a flexible wall, a mouth fluidly communicating with the collection chamber and formed through the collection container at a top end, and a filter device defining a bottom of the collection chamber. A quantitative container has a quantitative chamber in fluid communication with the filter device with the filter device separating the collection chamber from the quantitative chamber. A biofluid sample is introduced into the collection chamber through the mouth, and when the mouth with a collection chamber cap, the flexible wall of the collection container is squeezed to reduce the volume of the collection chamber and force the biofluid sample through the filter device, the filtered biofluid sample thereafter being contained within the quantitative chamber.