Air Testing Collector with Low Volume Manifold for Microbial Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air sampling technologies lack a low volume chamber with a collection medium to capture biological constituents for laboratory analysis, making them inefficient for testing smaller air samples and requiring complex and costly features.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a low volume manifold with a nutrient culture medium to collect and analyze microbial components of air samples, suitable for use with minimal training and cost-effective manufacturing, comprising a sampler assembly with a bag, one-way valves, and a collector assembly with a dish containing media to capture airborne biological matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dry media filters are used for air sampling, then air samples can be collected, but the system cannot effectively capture biological constituents for laboratory analysis and requires complex and costly features
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a sampler assembly for collecting air samples in a bag, and a collector assembly with a low volume manifold containing nutrient culture medium for capturing biological constituents. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall system while improving biological capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The nutrient culture medium acts as an intermediary substance within the low volume manifold that facilitates the capture of biological constituents from air samples. This intermediary enables effective biological analysis without requiring complex filtration systems, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional air sampling methods are used, then air samples can be collected, but smaller air samples cannot be effectively tested for biological components
Solution Approach 1:
The low volume manifold is nested within the collector assembly, creating a compact structure that can handle smaller air samples. The nutrient culture medium is contained within this low volume manifold, allowing concentrated capture of biological constituents from smaller air volumes while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the volume parameter of the sampling chamber to a low volume manifold, enabling effective testing of smaller air samples. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliable detection of biological components while working with reduced air sample volumes, addressing the contradiction between sample quantity and detection reliability.
3Reliability
If complex features are added to improve sampling capability, then biological constituents can be captured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collector assembly with the low volume manifold and nutrient culture medium is designed as a disposable component. This approach eliminates the need for expensive, complex reusable systems while maintaining reliable biological constituent capture. The low cost of the disposable manifold makes the system economically viable without sacrificing detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex feature extraction is achieved by removing the need for expensive traditional filtration systems and replacing them with a simple low volume manifold containing nutrient culture medium. This extraction of unnecessary complexity reduces manufacturing cost while preserving the ability to capture biological constituents effectively.
4Measurement precision
If sophisticated sampling devices are used, then accurate biological analysis can be performed, but the device becomes difficult to operate with minimal training
Solution Approach 1:
The collector assembly with the low volume manifold is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory. The nutrient culture medium is pre-positioned in the manifold, eliminating the need for user preparation or complex操作流程. This self-service design maintains measurement precision for biological analysis while significantly improving ease of operation for users with minimal training.
Solution Approach 2:
The low volume manifold is pre-prepared with nutrient culture medium before use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to perform complex setup procedures, reducing the learning curve while maintaining accurate biological analysis capability. The pre-configured system operates simply by connecting the sampler assembly, making it accessible to users with minimal training.
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
Enables efficient and accurate collection of air contaminant samples, particularly microbial components, with a low volume and low pressure ambient air sampling device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, while ensuring effective analysis with minimal training.
Implementation Method 1
a low volume manifold with a collection medium to capture biological constituents of the tested air
Implementation Method 2
a collection medium that captures biological constituents of the tested air for laboratory analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A process for testing an air source by providing a bag to collect a sample of gas. Connecting the filled bag to a collector assembly that has a fraction of the interior volume of the bag. Forcing the air sample from the bag over a media dish inside the collector assembly. Removing the media for further analysis. Both the bag and the collector assembly have one way exhaust valves to prevent over-pressure and allow a limited flow through of the sample.