Disposable Diaphragm Valve Transfer Unit for Porous Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for microbiological analysis and treatment of liquid samples using porous disk-shaped media are limited by the inability to perform further filtration or aftertreatment without detaching the filter from the transfer unit, which is inconvenient for modern molecular-biological methods that require preincubation or direct labeling.
Innovation Solution
A transfer unit with a removable lid allows for easy and cost-effective transfer of a porous, disk-shaped medium between treatment devices, featuring an adhesive layer for secure attachment and detachment, enabling further processing steps without the need for additional equipment or aids, and includes a positioning aid for reproducible treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter is attached to the transfer unit using adhesive bond, then the filter can be securely transferred between treatment devices, but the filter cannot be easily detached for further treatment without additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer unit is divided into separate components: an upper part with a fixing edge, a lower part with a receiving projection, and a removable lid. This segmentation allows the filter to be securely attached during transfer while enabling easy access for further treatment by removing the lid without detaching the filter from the transfer unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to be removable and reinsertable, providing dynamic access to the filter surface. This allows the system to transition between a closed transfer state and an open treatment state, enabling further processing without permanent attachment or detachment of the filter.
2Reliability
If the filter is permanently fixed to the transfer unit, then secure transfer is achieved, but the filter cannot be accessed for modern molecular-biological methods requiring preincubation or direct labeling
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer unit is segmented into an upper part, lower part, and removable lid. The filter remains securely attached to the upper part while the removable lid provides access for molecular-biological treatments, allowing both stability and versatility to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable lid acts as an intermediary element that provides access to the filter surface without requiring detachment of the filter from the transfer unit. This mediator enables molecular-biological methods while maintaining secure filter attachment.
3Productivity
If the filter is transferred using traditional methods, then the filter can be moved between devices, but additional equipment and time-consuming detachment steps are required for further treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer unit is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: secure transfer of the filter, provision of access for treatment, and support for various treatment types. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized equipment and reduces process steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer unit merges the transfer function and treatment access function into a single integrated device. The removable lid combines the protective cover with the access mechanism, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing time-consuming detachment steps.
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 simplified and cost-effective manipulation of the medium, allowing for direct access to the disk-shaped medium for further processing and evaluation, reducing the need for time-consuming detachment and enabling automatic evaluation with improved reproducibility and sterility.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing edge of the upper part has an adhesive layer of a suitable adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a transfer unit for receiving in particular a porous disc-shaped medium from a first treatment device, having an upper part, wherein the upper part comprises a fixing edge that can be connected to an edge of the medium for removing the medium from the first treatment device, wherein the upper part comprises an opening closed by a removable cover, by means of which successive treatments in a further treatment device can be performed. The invention further relates to a method wherein an upper part of a transfer unit is placed on a disc-shaped medium disposed in a first lower part of a first treatment device and exposed to the liquid sample and is connected to an edge of the medium, wherein the upper part is lifted off from the first lower part with the disc-shaped medium connected thereto, and is placed on a further lower part of a corresponding treatment device, and is further processed through an opening in the upper part.