Cytology Flask Filtering Web and Self-Sealing Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flasks for preparing cytological suspensions face issues with clogging due to undesirable components like debris and skin scales being deposited during the sampling process, which complicates subsequent analysis.
Innovation Solution
A flask equipped with a strainer-like filtering web partially immersed in the suspension, connected to a tube extending towards the opening, and held in position by arms with abutment and combing features to guide the sampling brush and its contents into the filter, along with a self-sealing pipette access for extraction, ensuring effective filtration and contamination prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a perforated web is used for filtering the suspension during pouring, then filtration is achieved, but the perforated web becomes clogged by debris and skin scales
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful filtering operation from the pouring process. Instead of filtering during pouring through a perforated web, the suspension is first collected in a receiving flask, then separately filtered through a filter unit. This separates the filtration function from the pouring operation, preventing debris and skin scales from clogging the filter during the pouring process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary filter unit with filter paper as a mediator between the receiving flask and the final suspension. The filter paper acts as a disposable intermediate filtering layer that captures debris and skin scales, preventing them from clogging the permanent filter structure during repeated use.
2Ease of operation
If the brush is detached from the handle during handling, then the sampled cells can be deposited in the fixer, but skin scales from the practitioner are deposited in the flask
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detachment operation from the flask opening area. The brush is detached from the handle outside the flask, and only the brush head with sampled cells is introduced into the flask. This separates the detachment action from the flask interior, preventing skin scales from being deposited during the detachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs the brush detachment action before introducing the brush into the flask. The practitioner detaches the brush from the handle in advance, then carefully introduces only the necessary brush portion into the flask containing the fixer. This preliminary detachment prevents skin scales from contaminating the flask during the operation.
3Reliability
If a strainer-like filtering web is used, then only the sample enters the filter preventing clogging, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the filtering function into a separate, modular filter unit that can be independently positioned and removed. The filter unit with filter paper is distinct from the receiving flask, allowing the filtering operation to be simplified and separated from the main container structure. This modular segmentation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable filter paper in the filter unit that can be easily discarded after use. Instead of maintaining a complex permanent filter structure that requires cleaning and maintenance, the filter paper is discarded after each use, simplifying the device structure while ensuring reliable clogging prevention for each new sampling operation.
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 effectively prevents clogging by ensuring that only the sample enters the filter, allowing for clear extraction of the suspension and maintaining leaktightness, thereby simplifying the analysis process.
Implementation Method 1
the filtering means are in the form of a web of filtering material forming a strainer
Implementation Method 2
at least one piercable and self-sealing portion through which the extraction pipette can pass and which is adapted to come to bear against that end of the tube in order to ensure leaktightness
Data Source
AI summary
A flask for preparing a fixer-based cytological suspension is equipped with a filtering element (4) at least partly immersed in the suspension. The filtering element is in the form of a basket-forming filtering material web, whereof the periphery (5) is fixed on the flask and whereof the center (6) is connected to a tube (7), extending towards the opening (2) of the flask, associated with a position-maintaining element (8) in the flask and adapted to allow through a pipette for drawing the suspension.