Filtration Unit Peripheral Seal Discontinuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration units for biological fluids, such as blood, are complex to manufacture, require human intervention, and have a high cost due to the use of flexible frames and materials of different natures, with risks of leakage and damage during centrifugation.
Innovation Solution
A filtration unit with an outer casing formed of two flexible sheets and a peripheral joint, where the filtering medium is associated along the edge, with tabs extending externally for port association, allowing for automated manufacturing and improved flow performance by avoiding the welding of different materials and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a flexible frame is used to associate the filter medium with the outer casing, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases and the cost price increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible frame is completely removed from the filtration unit structure. Instead of using a frame to associate the filter medium with the outer casing, the patent uses a peripheral joint that directly connects the filter medium edges to the inner and outer sheets, eliminating the need for additional framing components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions previously performed by separate components (frame, peripheral seal, and sheet connections) are merged into a single integrated peripheral joint structure. This joint simultaneously connects the filter medium to both inner and outer sheets while maintaining structural integrity without requiring a separate flexible frame.
2Ease of operation
If inlet and outlet ports are arranged on the faces of the filtration unit, then the port accessibility is improved, but the risk of damaging pockets during centrifugation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ports are relocated from the facial surfaces to the peripheral edges of the filtration unit. This dimensional change allows ports to be positioned at the periphery where they can be accessed while avoiding the harmful centrifugal forces that would damage pockets if ports were on the faces.
3Reliability
If the peripheral seal is continuous, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the flow initiation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral seal is segmented into discrete sections rather than being continuous. The seal includes first and second sealing sections that are separated by gaps or interruptions, allowing fluid to initiate flow more easily while maintaining reliable sealing where needed through the distributed sealing sections.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A filtration unit (1) for a biological fluid, comprising an external jacket formed from two flexible films (2, 3) between which the edge (4) of a filter medium (5) is connected along a peripheral seal (6) so as to form, on either side of said filter medium, an inlet compartment (7) and an outlet compartment (8), said filtration unit also comprising an inlet port (10) in communication with said inlet compartment and an outlet port (11) in communication with said outlet compartment, each of the films (2, 3) comprising at least one tongue (12, 13, 14, 15) which extends out from the peripheral seal (6), a port (10, 11) being connected between two tongues (12, 13, 14, 15) of in each case one film (2, 3), and the peripheral seal (6) having a discontinuity (16, 17) between one of said tongues (12, 15) and the filter medium (5) in order that the port (10, 11) and the compartment (7, 8) are in communication.