Modular TFF Manifold With Single Permeate Outlet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tangential flow filtration (TFF) manifolds, primarily made of stainless steel, are high-cost and require multiple external connections for filtrate output, complicating the filtration process and increasing assembly time and costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular, single-use plastic TFF manifold with a single permeate outlet is designed, reducing external connections from two to one by integrating internal permeate channels within the manifold, maintaining equal flow resistance across the filter membrane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional stainless steel manifolds with multiple permeate connections are used, then filtration performance is maintained, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration performanceVSAvoidnumber of external connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple permeate connections are merged into a single permeate connection through internal manifold channels that collect filtrate from multiple filter cassettes and convey it to one outlet, reducing the number of external connections required while maintaining filtration performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold acts as an intermediary component with internal flow channels that mediate between multiple filter cassettes and a single permeate collection system, enabling consolidation of multiple connections into one external connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple external permeate connections are required, then complete filtrate collection is achieved, but assembly time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltrate collection completenessVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold is pre-configured with internal flow channels during manufacturing that automatically route filtrate from multiple cassettes to a single collection point, eliminating the need for complex external plumbing assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If stainless steel manifolds are used, then durability and reusability are achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanifold reusabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs disposable plastic manifolds that are inexpensive to manufacture and can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive stainless steel construction while maintaining functional performance during the service period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The material parameter is changed from stainless steel to plastic, and the reusability parameter is adjusted from multiple uses to single use, achieving cost reduction while maintaining adequate durability for the intended application lifecycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration simplifies fluidic plumbing, reduces assembly time and costs, and maintains filtration performance by equalizing flow resistance, making it suitable for disposable and reusable applications.

Implementation Method 1

Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) filters are employed in pharmaceutical and biotechnology for membrane based filtering of various fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTangential flow filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a filtrate results from the material that passes through the membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS20250229231A1Tangential flow filtration manifold

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 CONNORS JR JOHN F

AI summary

A tangential flow filtration manifold takes a modular form for interconnection in a manifolded arrangement for aggregating a total filtration area of the aggregate filter (membrane) surface. A plurality of modular TFF cassette filters may be or stacked on the TFF manifold such that it allows the number of interconnected filters, as well as the membrane surface area within each cassette, to be readily reconfigured. A single output, or filtrate connection on the TFF manifold simplifies fluidic plumbing connections for directing and gathering the filtrate (permeate) produced as output.