Filter Member With Elastic Bodies For Cell Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for attaching filters to filter members in cell analyzers are complex and costly due to the use of adhesive agents, increasing production costs and complicating the process.

Innovation Solution

A filter member design that integrates a filter between two holding members with elastic bodies, allowing for simple and cost-effective attachment by fitting the members together, with elastic deformation for secure fixation and enhanced liquid tightness, and features for easy detachment and identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive agents are used to attach the filter to the holding member, then the filter attachment becomes more fixed and secure, but the production process becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter attachment securityVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive agent from the filter attachment system. Instead of using adhesive to secure the filter, the design employs a mechanical retention mechanism where the filter is held in place by the structural configuration of the holding member itself, removing the need for chemical bonding agents and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member is designed to automatically retain the filter through its own structural features without requiring external adhesive materials. The holding member's geometry and configuration enable it to self-secure the filter in place, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on additional bonding components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If adhesive agents are used to attach the filter to the holding member, then the filter attachment becomes more fixed and secure, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter attachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the adhesive agent from the attachment system, eliminating the cost associated with purchasing, storing, and applying adhesive materials. The mechanical retention design relies solely on the holding member's structure, reducing material costs and simplifying the overall manufacturing expense.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design employs a simple, disposable filter and holding member assembly that can be manufactured at low cost using basic materials and processes. The structural retention mechanism requires no expensive adhesive materials, making the overall system more cost-effective for single-use applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If the filter is simply placed in the holding member without additional fixation, then the production process is simple and cost-effective, but the filter attachment becomes less secure and liquid tightness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction process simplicityVSAvoidfilter attachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member incorporates asymmetric structural features such as tapered surfaces or irregular geometries that enable the filter to be securely retained in a specific orientation. This asymmetric design prevents the filter from becoming dislodged while maintaining a simple manufacturing process, as the retention is achieved through the shape itself rather than complex mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member utilizes curved or rounded structural features that create a snug fit for the filter through geometric interlocking. The curvature of the holding member's retention surfaces complements the filter's shape, providing secure attachment and liquid tightness through form-fitting geometry rather than adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Reliability

If complex fixation mechanisms are used to secure the filter, then the filter attachment becomes more secure, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter attachment securityVSAvoidfilter member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of filter retention, structural support, and liquid tightness into a single integrated holding member design. The holding member's structure simultaneously performs multiple functions—securing the filter in place, maintaining alignment, and ensuring liquid tightness—without requiring separate fixation components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member is designed as a multi-functional component that serves as both the structural framework and the fixation mechanism. Its geometry is configured to simultaneously retain the filter, maintain proper positioning, and ensure liquid tightness, eliminating the need for separate fixation devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design allows for a more secure and cost-effective attachment of filters, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring efficient cell discrimination and analysis, with improved liquid tightness and ease of filter replacement.

Implementation Method 1

A first elastic body is formed on a surface of the first filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter. A second elastic body is formed on a surface of the second filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2853302B1A filter member and a method of obtaining cells using the same
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP2853302B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2853302B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2853302B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a filter member which comprises: a filter for discriminating cells to be analyzed in a sample from other components; a first filter holding member which comprises a first through hole and has a plate-like shape; and a second filter holding member which comprises a second through hole and is fitted into the first filter holding member. When the first and second filter holding members are integrated by fitting the second filter holding member into the first filter holding member, the filter is sandwiched between the first filter holding member and the second filter holding member, and the first through hole is opposed to the second through hole through the filter. A first elastic body is formed on a surface of the first filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter. A second elastic body is formed on a surface of the second filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter.