Parallel Flow Filter Layout for Longer Anti-Clogging Service Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filters in flow cytometers clog quickly due to contaminants, leading to frequent replacements and disrupted measurements, especially in machine learning-based systems requiring continuous sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A filter design with parallel first and second flow paths of differing resistances, featuring a linear and detour path configuration with multiple filter portions, allowing contaminants to accumulate in one path before obstructing flow, thereby extending the filter's effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional filter is used to remove contaminants from liquid, then contaminants are removed effectively, but the filter clogs quickly and needs frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple filter portions (first filter portion, second filter portion, etc.) arranged in parallel flow paths. Each filter portion handles a portion of the total contaminant load, preventing any single portion from clogging too quickly. This segmentation extends the overall filter service life while maintaining effective contaminant removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Different filter portions are positioned at different locations within the flow path, with some filter portions located in regions with higher flow velocity and others in regions with lower flow velocity. This creates local variations in contaminant accumulation rates, ensuring that contaminants are distributed across multiple filter portions rather than concentrating in one location, thereby extending filter effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If a single flow path is used, then the filter structure is simple, but contaminants clog the inlet side quickly obstructing flow
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple parallel paths (first flow path, second flow path, etc.), each containing its own filter portion. This segmentation allows contaminants to be distributed across multiple paths, preventing rapid clogging of any single path and maintaining continuous liquid flow for measurement purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter portions are arranged in a spatial configuration where multiple filter portions exist at different positions and orientations within the flow path. This three-dimensional arrangement increases the effective filtering area and distributes contaminant load across multiple dimensions, extending the time before flow obstruction occurs.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If filter portions are arranged in parallel with different flow path resistances, then contaminant removal is extended, but the flow paths become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different filter portions are positioned at different locations within the flow path, with some filter portions located in regions with higher flow velocity and others in regions with lower flow velocity. This creates local variations in contaminant accumulation rates, ensuring that contaminants are distributed across multiple filter portions rather than concentrating in one location, thereby extending filter effectiveness.
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 filter maintains efficient contaminant removal over a longer period, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring continuous measurement capability.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter portion which is a filter portion configured to remove contaminants from the liquid and is disposed in a first flow path
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter includes an inlet through which a liquid is introduced, an outlet through which the liquid is discharged, a flow path through which the liquid flows from the inlet to the outlet, a first filter portion (for example, an A filter portion) which is a filter portion configured to remove contaminants from the liquid and is disposed in a first flow path that is the flow path, and a second filter portion (a B filter portion to a J filter portion) which is filter portion and is disposed in a second flow path that is the flow path at least partially different from the first flow path, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path have different flow path resistances.