Funnel-less Filtration Device for Direct Vacuum Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum filter devices for laboratory use are inconvenient due to the need for transferring liquids from containers to open funnels, leading to spills, sterility issues, and excessive disposable waste, with large sizes consuming storage and shipping space.
Innovation Solution
A funnel-less filtration device that attaches directly to a storage container, featuring a filter collar with membranes, a vacuum port, and a filtered vent, allowing for direct filtration without the need for a separate funnel, reducing material usage and enhancing ergonomics and sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional vacuum filter device with open funnel is used, then filtration can be performed, but liquid transfer leads to spills and sterility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the funnel and collection reservoir into a single integrated unit with a sealed membrane filter. The funnel is permanently attached to the collection reservoir, eliminating the need for separate components and manual liquid transfer. This integration allows direct filtration from the storage container through the sealed membrane into the collection reservoir, preventing spills and maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed membrane filter acts as an intermediary between the feed container and collection reservoir. It provides a closed pathway for liquid filtration, replacing the open funnel interface. The membrane allows liquid passage while maintaining the seal, preventing contamination and spills that occur with open funnel systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional filter assemblies with attached funnel and reservoir are used, then filtration is complete, but large size consumes storage and shipping space
Solution Approach 1:
The filter collar is designed to nest within the collection reservoir, with the funnel portion fitting inside the reservoir body. This nested configuration reduces the overall volume of the assembly when stored or shipped, while still providing the complete filtration system when deployed. The components are integrated in a space-efficient manner that minimizes external dimensions.
3Reliability
If disposable filter assemblies are used, then sterility is maintained, but significant solid waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into distinct components: the collection reservoir that can be reused, and the filter collar with membrane that is disposable. This segmentation allows the non-contaminated portion (reservoir) to be retained and reused, while only the membrane-filtering portion is discarded. This reduces waste compared to disposing of the entire assembly, while maintaining sterility through the disposable filter component.
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 provides easier, more ergonomic filtration with reduced waste and space requirements, minimizing spills and contamination risks while maintaining high-quality separations and purifications.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane filter interposed between two vessels
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum is drawn downstream of the membrane to increase the rate of filtration by creating a pressure differential across the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A funnel-less filtration device that attaches directly to a storage container such as a cell culture media bottle. The device includes a filter collar containing one or more membranes, an inlet with a coupling device for attaching the filter device to a supply of liquid to be filtered, an outlet at a lower portion of the collar, a vacuum port in the collar below the membrane(s) and a filtered vent in the collar above the membrane(s).