Sterile Container Filter Cassette Centering and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterile containers with filter systems are complex, difficult to assemble, and require multiple seals, making them heavy and prone to contamination, with limited accessibility for filter material inspection and inefficient pressure equalization during sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A sterile container with a gas-permeable filter cartridge featuring a conical centering mechanism for precise alignment, a two-disk clamping system for easy assembly, and a spring-loaded cover for secure sealing and pressure equalization, utilizing a single seal and a lightweight bionic design to prevent tilting and ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple seals and individual parts are used in the filter system, then the sterile barrier is ensured, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated filter cartridge assembly that includes the filter element, sealing elements, and centering mechanism as one unified component. This merging approach maintains the sterile barrier function while eliminating the need for multiple separate seals and parts, thereby reducing assembly complexity and the number of components that could potentially compromise sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides filtration, sealing, centering, and pressure equalization functions. The integrated design allows a single component to perform multiple roles that would traditionally require separate parts, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable sterile protection.
2Reliability
If multiple seals and complex assembly are used, then sterile protection is achieved, but the overall weight of the design increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sealing function into the filter cartridge structure itself rather than using separate seal components, the design eliminates the weight of additional seal parts while maintaining sterile protection. The unified structure reduces material usage and overall system weight.
3Strength
If a cover plate is used to protect the filter, then the filter is protected from damage, but it becomes impossible to inspect the condition of the filter material from all sides
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge is designed with a removable or openable cover structure that allows dynamic access to the filter element for inspection from multiple angles. This dynamic design enables the filter to be protected during normal operation while allowing easy access when inspection or replacement is needed, eliminating the trade-off between protection and accessibility.
4Reliability
If a sterile filter is used to prevent germ entry, then sterility is maintained, but the gas flow rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gas flow path into two segments: a sterile path through the filter element for normal operation and a non-sterile bypass path for pressure equalization. This segmentation allows the filter to maintain sterility while the bypass enables high-speed pressure equalization during sterilization processes, resolving the conflict between flow rate and sterility.
5Reliability
If a pressure relief valve is added to equalize pressure difference, then container damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief function is merged into the filter cartridge structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate pressure relief valve. The integrated design maintains container protection while reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 simplifies handling and assembly, reduces weight and complexity, ensures secure sealing, and allows for efficient pressure equalization without recontaminating sterile contents, while maintaining mechanical integrity and facilitating easy filter inspection and replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a first, conical centering element is provided on the filter cassette. This first centering element interacts non-self-lockingly with a second centering element provided on the sterile container wall section when the filter cassette is (loosely) inserted into or arranged on the sterile container wall section
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded cover for secure sealing and pressure equalization
Implementation Method 3
A gas-permeable filter cassette of the sterile container according to the invention contains a filter element arranged within the filter cassette
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A filter cassette (2) is disclosed which, as part of a filter system (36), can be fastened to a sterile container lid (14). The sterile container lid (14) serves to close a sterile container and to make a gas exchange possible between the container exterior and the container interior, without re-contaminating the container material. In addition, the filter system (36) fulfils a valve function. Here, in order to centre the filter cassette (2) with regard to the sterile container lid (14), a first centring means (10) is provided on the filter cassette (2), which first centring means (10) interacts with a second centring means (12) which is provided on the sterile container wall section (14) when the filter cassette (2) is inserted into the sterile container lid (14).