Filtration System with Concentration Sensor for Protein Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies, including RFID tags, have limitations in real-time monitoring of protein concentration and integrity testing in filtration processes, particularly in maintaining reliable and reproducible performance.
Innovation Solution
A filtering system equipped with a concentration sensor and a wireless transmitter, such as an RFID tag, that monitors protein concentration and adjusts operating conditions to maintain optimal performance, using sensors like MOS diodes, metal oxide semiconductor devices, or affinity-based sensors, and communicates data wirelessly or through wired connections for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags and sensors are used to monitor protein concentration in real-time, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the concentration sensor and wireless transmitter directly into the filter housing, nesting the monitoring components within the existing filtration structure. This eliminates the need for separate external monitoring equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining real-time protein concentration measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the sensor measures protein concentration, the wireless transmitter communicates data, and the filter housing provides both filtration and mounting structure. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall system architecture
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring and adjustment of operating conditions is implemented, then filtration performance reliability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the concentration sensor continuously measures protein concentration at the membrane surface, and this information is transmitted wirelessly to adjust operating conditions. The system automatically responds to concentration changes by modifying transmembrane pressure or flow rate, maintaining optimal filtration performance without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of operating conditions based on real-time sensor readings. The system transitions from static, fixed operating parameters to dynamic, adaptive control that automatically responds to changing protein concentration levels, ensuring consistent filtration performance throughout the filtration process
3Measurement precision
If concentration sensors are positioned at the membrane surface for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the concentration sensor specifically at the membrane surface location where protein concentration needs to be measured. This localized sensing approach provides accurate measurement of the critical parameter without requiring complex sensor arrays or sophisticated measurement systems throughout the entire filtration apparatus
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
Enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of protein concentration at the membrane surface, ensuring reliable and reproducible filtration performance by dynamically controlling transmembrane pressure, thereby improving filter integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a concentration sensor positioned at the outlet end of the flow channel to measure the concentration of a substance in the liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
a filter element with a flow channel and a membrane at the outlet end of the flow channel
Implementation Method 3
cross-flow filter arrangement having a flow through membrane
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A system for filtration comprising a filter housing (20), one or more tangential flow filters located within said housing (20), each filter having a membrane through which filtrate may pass, a concentration sensor (30) located on said membrane of at least one of said tangential flow filters, and a controller having a control loop adapted to adjust the transmembrane pressure of said system, based on the output of said concentration sensor (30). The system may further comprise a transmitter (40) in communication with said concentration sensor (30), adapted to transmit concentration readings from said sensor (30) and a receiver, external to said housing (20), adapted to receive said concentration readings from said transmitter (40).