Disposable Multi-Layer Blood Plasma Filter with Elastic Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood filters are complex to manufacture, costly, and not suitable for disposable use, often resulting in blocked flow paths, decreased separation efficiency, and increased separation time, especially when processing small amounts of blood for biochip applications.
Innovation Solution
A disposable multi-layered filtration device with a simple structure, comprising an upper substrate with a blood inlet, an intermediate substrate with a filtering unit, and a lower substrate with an air outlet, where the filtering unit includes a filter chamber, microchamber, and microchannel, utilizing filters made of paper, glass fiber, or porous materials, and elastic plates to facilitate efficient separation of blood plasma without additional units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing blood filters are used to process large amounts of blood, then rapid processing is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase, making them unsuitable for disposable use
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple layers with different functions: a first filter layer for initial filtration, a second filter layer for plasma separation, and an elastic plate for structural support and flow control. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall device simple and disposable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a disposable filter device using inexpensive materials that can be discarded after single use. The multi-layer structure is manufactured as a disposable unit that eliminates the need for cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance, making it cost-effective for single-use applications in biochips
2Ease of manufacture
If existing blood filters are used, then manufacturing is possible, but the manufacturing cost increases and the flow path becomes blocked, decreasing separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous materials with specific pore size distributions in the filter layers. The first filter layer uses porous material to capture blood cells, while the second filter layer uses porous material with smaller pores to separate plasma. This approach maintains high separation efficiency while using simple, manufacturable porous structures
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter have different properties: the first filter layer has larger pores for cell capture, the second filter layer has smaller pores for plasma separation, and the elastic plate provides mechanical support. This local differentiation of properties optimizes separation efficiency at each stage while keeping the overall manufacturing process simple
3Reliability
If complex filter structures are used, then filtration capability is improved, but the separation time increases and the device becomes unsuitable for small blood volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The first filter layer performs preliminary filtration of blood cells before the plasma reaches the second filter layer. This preliminary action prevents clogging of the second layer and accelerates the overall separation process, making it suitable for small blood volumes in biochip applications
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic plate acts as an intermediary between the two filter layers, providing structural support and controlling fluid flow. It ensures that plasma flows uniformly from the first to the second filter layer, preventing channeling and maintaining efficient separation without increasing separation time
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 device allows for rapid and efficient separation of blood plasma from a small amount of blood with a simple operation, minimizing cell leakage and reducing manufacturing costs, making it suitable for disposable biochip applications.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element for separating only blood plasma from blood
Implementation Method 2
a porous medium, or a membrane at a side or front surface of flows of blood to separate blood cells
Implementation Method 3
an elastic plate which is deformed when a force is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a disposable multi-layered filtration device for the separation of blood plasma which can be applied to a biochip and appropriate for disposal uses. The filtration device for the separation of blood plasma includes: an upper substrate including a blood inlet; an intermediate substrate including a filtering unit for extracting blood plasma from blood flowing through the blood inlet; and a lower substrate including an air outlet, wherein the upper substrate, the intermediate substrate, and the lower substrate are stacked and adhered.