Stackable Cell Strainer Structure for Multi-Tube Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems for laboratory use are not compatible with different sized laboratory tubes, leading to issues such as tilting, clogging, and reduced filtration efficiency, especially when handling smaller tubes, which affects the processing speed and aseptic handling.

Innovation Solution

A cell strainer design with a lower portion adapted to fit into tubes of different sizes, featuring shoulders or flanges for secure positioning and a larger filter area perpendicular to the flow direction, allowing for tilt-free stacking and easy removal, while maintaining aseptic conditions and preventing clogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a filter system is designed to fit a specific tube size, then it provides stable positioning, but it cannot be used with tubes of different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different tube sizesVSAvoidstable positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is designed with a universal lower portion that can fit multiple tube sizes (15ml and 50ml tubes) through different configurations of shoulders or flanges. This allows a single filter system to serve multiple functions across different tube formats without requiring separate designs for each tube size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower portion is segmented into different sections (first section with shoulders for one tube size, second section with receptacle for another tube size) that can be selectively engaged. This segmentation allows the filter system to adapt to different tube sizes while maintaining stable positioning through the appropriate section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a filter system hangs in a tube, then it is easy to install, but it causes flow stop and impairs venting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeasy installationVSAvoidfiltration speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of hanging the filter system from the top inside the tube, the invention inverts the approach by having the lower portion rest on the opening or fit into the tube from below. This inversion allows liquid to flow through the filter system without obstruction, preventing flow stop and maintaining venting capability while still providing easy installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the filter area is small, then the filter system fits small tubes, but it clogs easily and processing speed is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with small tubesVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention increases the filter area by extending the filter surface in the vertical dimension (perpendicular to the flow direction) rather than only in the horizontal plane. This allows the filter system to maintain compatibility with small tube diameters while providing a larger effective filter area that prevents clogging and maintains processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If the filter system is designed for large tubes, then it provides large filter area, but it is difficult to handle and requires more wash volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidhandling convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system employs different structural characteristics in different regions: the upper portion has a large filter area for high filtration capacity, while the lower portion is designed with compact dimensions for easy handling. This local differentiation allows the system to provide large filtration capacity where needed while maintaining ease of operation in the handling region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides high filter efficiency and compatibility with both 15 ml and 50 ml tubes, ensuring efficient filtration and easy handling, with increased flow-through volumes and reduced clogging, even with viscous samples, while maintaining aseptic conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a cell strainer for separating particles from a cell suspension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2664368B1Stackable cell strainer

Publication Date: 2018.03.21 MILTENYI BIOTEC GMBH

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AI summary

The invention is directed to a cell strainer for separating particles from a cell suspension, comprising an upper portion with at least one filter area essential perpendicular to the direction of flow of the suspension and a lower portion adapted to fit into the openings of at least two tubes with different sized openings wherein the lower portion has a first section comprising shoulders or flanges having the diameter of the opening of a first tube and at least one second section comprising an inner and outer wall as receptacle the neck of a second tube, wherein the diameter of the first section is larger than the diameter of the second section.