Filter Resuspension Stack Using Ultrasound for Multi-Sample Recovery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for resuspending biological material captured on filters are inefficient, requiring manual manipulation that can lead to loss and degradation of the material, and are not adaptable for simultaneous processing of multiple filters, leading to time constraints in obtaining laboratory results.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a housing with a stack of fluidic distribution plates and filters, equipped with ultrasonic vibration, allows for simultaneous resuspension of biological material on multiple filters using a small volume of resuspension solution, ensuring effective detachment and recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manipulation is used to detach bacteria from filters, then resuspension can be performed, but biological material is lost and degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresuspension operationVSAvoidbiological material loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic transducer generates high-frequency vibrations that mechanically detach bacteria from the filter surface without requiring manual handling, thus preventing biological material loss and degradation while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs ultrasonic vibration as the core mechanism to detach biological material from the filter. The ultrasonic transducer generates high-frequency mechanical vibrations that propagate through the resuspension solution, effectively detaching bacteria from the filter surface and suspending them in the solution without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Loss of substance

If manual resuspension is performed on single filter, then material recovery is achieved, but processing time increases and multiple filters cannot be processed simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiological material recoveryVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple filter processing operations into a single integrated system. Multiple filters are positioned within the same housing and subjected to simultaneous ultrasonic vibration and resuspension, allowing parallel processing of multiple filters and significantly reducing total processing time while maintaining effective material recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal resuspension system that can simultaneously process multiple filters of the same type. The housing, ultrasonic transducer, and fluidic system are configured to accommodate multiple filters, enabling one system to perform multiple processing functions in parallel, thus reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of substance

If large volume of resuspension solution is used, then complete resuspension is achieved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresuspension completenessVSAvoidresuspension solution volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ultrasonic vibration to enhance the efficiency of resuspension. The high-frequency mechanical vibrations create strong mixing and detachment forces that enable complete resuspension of biological material using a smaller volume of resuspension solution, reducing resource consumption while maintaining resuspension completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the resuspension process by introducing ultrasonic vibration frequency and amplitude as key parameters. These parameter changes enable more efficient mass transfer and detachment, allowing complete resuspension with reduced solution volume compared to conventional static resuspension methods.

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

Facilitates rapid and efficient resuspension of biological material on multiple filters, reducing the risk of loss and degradation, and enabling rapid decision-making by providing results within hours.

Implementation Method 1

the case has an opening on its lower wall and/or on its upper wall to accommodate a head of an ultrasonic source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4703705A1Device used for the resuspension of biological material captured on a filter
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP4703705A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703705A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703705A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device used for the resuspension of biological material, comprising: - A housing having at least two parts assembled together in a hermetically sealed manner, said housing having several walls, these walls being composed of an upper wall, a lower wall and a side wall, said walls delimiting an internal volume, - A stack (E) made along a principal axis and placed in said internal volume and composed, along this principal axis, of at least a first assembly formed of a first fluidic distribution plate (40) and a first superimposed filter (30), said first fluidic distribution plate (40) having on its so-called upper face, oriented towards a face of the filter, several raised elements forming fluidic flow paths (50), - At least one fluidic inlet (IN) and one fluidic outlet (OUT) opening into said internal volume (V),opposite said fluid flow paths (50).