Dual Filter Cartridge Frame for Uniform Blood Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems for blood filtration in chemosaturation therapy are cumbersome to set up, prone to sterility issues, and can lead to uneven flow resistance among filters, which may result in reduced filtration efficiency and increased risk of adverse reactions due to incomplete drug absorption.
Innovation Solution
A dual filter cartridge and frame apparatus that allows filter cartridges to be securely attached to a support without additional hardware, enabling rotation for complete visualization during priming and ensuring consistent orientation and height, thereby maintaining uniform flow conditions and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple filters are used to improve filtration efficiency, then drug absorption efficiency is improved, but setup complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filter cartridges are merged into a single integrated frame assembly, allowing them to be handled as one unit during setup and installation. The frame provides a common mounting structure that secures multiple cartridges simultaneously, reducing the number of separate assembly operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is segmented into modular filter cartridges that can be independently replaced or maintained, while the frame provides the integrated structure. This allows efficient use of multiple filters while maintaining organized, systematic setup procedures.
2Reliability
If filters are clamped or taped to equipment using additional hardware, then filters can be securely supported, but sterility may be compromised and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is merged into the filter assembly itself, with the frame serving as both the structural support and the mounting interface. This integration eliminates the need for separate clamps or tapes that could compromise sterility, as the frame can be sterilized together with the filters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If filters are held in different orientations or at different heights, then setup flexibility is improved, but flow resistance becomes uneven reducing filtration efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to hold all filter cartridges at the same height and orientation, creating equipotential conditions for fluid flow. This ensures that blood flows through each filter under identical gravitational and pressure conditions, maintaining uniform flow resistance across all filters and optimizing overall filtration efficiency.
4Reliability
If filters cannot be rotated for visualization during priming, then mounting stability is maintained, but air bubble detection becomes difficult reducing priming effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The frame allows filters to be dynamically rotated or tilted during the priming process for complete visualization and air bubble detection. After priming is complete, the filters can be secured in their operational positions, providing both detection flexibility and operational stability.
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 apparatus simplifies setup, maintains sterility, ensures consistent flow through each filter, and increases filtration efficiency by allowing equal blood flow through all cartridges, reducing the risk of thrombus formation and adverse reactions.
Implementation Method 1
Filters for adsorption of toxic compounds from blood are known in the art
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a filter apparatus, comprising two or more filter cartridges having a first end with an inlet and screen and a second end with an outlet and screen, and walls to contain a filter media held in a housing for holding the two or more filter cartridges in about the same orientation, and an attachment clamp connected to the housing. Also provided is a housing for holding two or more filter cartridges in about the same orientation and a method of using the filter apparatus and housing.