Fecal Grinder Assemblies with Multi-Stage Filtration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fecal sample collection and processing methods are inefficient, leading to contamination and prolonged processing times due to the need for centrifuge-based isolation of parasites, eggs, and ova, which increases handling and preparation time before examination.

Innovation Solution

The development of fecal grinder assemblies, syringe assemblies, and mixers that grind and mix fecal samples with a diluent, followed by filtration through a multi-stage filter system to prepare the sample for testing, reducing handling and processing time while minimizing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If centrifuge-based isolation technique is used to separate parasites, eggs, and ova from fecal sample, then separation effectiveness is improved, but processing time is excessively increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the separation function from the centrifuge process by using a filter member with specific pore sizes to directly filter parasites, eggs, and ova from the fecal sample. This eliminates the need for time-consuming centrifugation while achieving effective separation through the filter's physical barrier mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugation system with a filtration system based on pore size selection. Instead of using centrifugal force to separate components, the system uses a filter member with controlled pore dimensions to physically block parasites, eggs, and ova while allowing other substances to pass through, thereby achieving separation without the time-intensive centrifuge process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple handling steps are performed on fecal sample during testing, then testing accuracy is improved, but contamination risk is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple handling steps into a single integrated filtration operation. The filter member performs separation, concentration, and sample preparation in one step, reducing the number of times the fecal sample must be transferred and handled, thereby minimizing contamination opportunities while maintaining testing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter member acts as an intermediary device that enables accurate testing by preparing the sample in a controlled manner. It separates and concentrates the target elements (parasites, eggs, ova) while minimizing direct handling of the raw fecal sample, thus reducing contamination risk while ensuring sufficient sample quality for accurate testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional filtration methods are used on fecal samples, then sample processing is simplified, but filtration efficiency is reduced due to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidfiltration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different pore sizes in different regions or layers of the filter member. The filter is designed with a gradient or zoned pore structure where larger pores handle initial filtration and smaller pores provide fine separation, preventing clogging while maintaining high filtration efficiency and simple operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The filter member is constructed as a composite structure with multiple filtering layers or zones, each with different pore characteristics. This composite design allows the filter to handle various particle sizes effectively, preventing clogging by distributing the filtration load across different pore structures while maintaining simplicity of use and high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

These assemblies efficiently grind and filter fecal samples, reducing processing time and minimizing contamination, enabling faster and more effective testing for parasites and eggs.

Implementation Method 1

a filter member provided at one of the nozzle or within the syringe body proximate the collection portion of the plunger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240102897A1Fecal grinder assemblies, fecal syringe assemblies, fecal mixers, and methods of using same

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 IDEXX LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

A fecal grinder assembly includes a container defining an open interior volume and a plurality of container teeth extending from a bottom wall of the container and within the open interior volume, a grinder slidably positioned within the open interior volume of the container, the grinder including a base and a key extending from the base in a first direction and a plurality of grinder teeth extending from the base in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a collection member including a filter portion and a collection body extending from the filter portion, a keyway extends through the filter and the body for receiving the key of the grinder when the collection member is positioned on the grinder and within the open interior volume of the container.