Polyimide Filter Membrane Bonding via Intermediary Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bioreactor filter systems face challenges with membrane compatibility and bonding issues due to advanced membrane production techniques using materials like polyimide, which are difficult to integrate with traditional polyethylene components, leading to inefficiencies in fluid filtration and potential clogging.
Innovation Solution
The development of a filter membrane with a porous region and a support region, featuring membrane support holes and a polyimide material, along with a filter assembly that includes a support plate, underdrain seal, and underdrain plate to securely attach the filter membrane, ensuring proper fluid flow and reducing fouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If advanced membrane production techniques using polyimide materials are used, then filtration performance is improved, but bonding compatibility with polyethylene components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary bonding system consisting of a first bonding feature on the polyimide membrane and a corresponding second bonding feature on the polyethylene component. This intermediary bonding mechanism resolves the incompatibility between polyimide and polyethylene materials, allowing high-performance polyimide membranes to be successfully integrated with polyethylene bioreactor components without direct bonding between incompatible materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional filter systems are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but fluid filtration efficiency and clogging resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized bonding region with specific bonding features located at the interface between the membrane and bioreactor component. This localized bonding structure optimizes fluid flow and filtration performance at the critical filtration interface while maintaining simple manufacturing processes for the overall device. The bonding features are strategically positioned to enhance filtration efficiency without complicating the general manufacturing approach.
3Device complexity
If membrane is attached directly to bioreactor wall, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow and fouling resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct wall attachment to a three-dimensional bonding structure using bonding features that extend into the fluid flow path. This dimensional change creates a bonded interface that maintains optimal distance from the bioreactor wall, allowing sufficient space for fluid flow and reducing fouling while maintaining structural integrity. The bonding features create a elevated mounting structure that prevents the membrane from直接接触 the wall.
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 new filter membrane and assembly design enhance fluid filtration efficiency, reduce clogging, and extend filter life by ensuring proper attachment and fluid flow, addressing compatibility issues with advanced membrane materials.
Implementation Method 1
culture medium is bled off by hydraulic flow through a filter which retains the cells but lets the metabolites and proteins pass through the filter
Implementation Method 2
a support region, where the support region comprises at least one support structure. The support structure may comprise a plurality of membrane support holes
Implementation Method 3
a filter assembly that includes a support plate, underdrain seal, and underdrain plate to securely attach the filter membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Filter holders and membranes are provided that can be included within a bioreactor bag system. The filter holders and membranes include features that allow incorporation of advanced membrane materials having differing material characteristics than traditional membranes that more closely matched the characteristics of the filter holder.