Filter Bag Closure System for Safe Filtrate Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filter bags for microbiological analysis are complex to use, particularly when handling potentially pathogenic samples, as they often require delicate manipulation and do not have a built-in safety feature to prevent leakage or spillage, and they do not allow for straightforward collection of small amounts of filtrate or successive sampling without risking contamination.

Innovation Solution

A filter bag with a closure system that includes a moveable tab and a stationary part, allowing for airtight sealing and easy access to the filtrate collection compartment, along with a fastening system that enables hermetic sealing between samples, facilitating safe and efficient handling and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter bag uses standard sampling devices without a built-in closure system, then the structure remains simple, but the operator cannot safely access the filtrate without risking contamination or leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against contamination and leakageVSAvoidstructure of filter bag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system integrates the sealing mechanism and sampling access into a single unified component. The moveable closure element combines the functions of sealing the orifice and providing controlled access to the filtrate, eliminating the need for separate sampling devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The moveable closure element acts as an intermediary between the filtrate collection compartment and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that allows selective access to the filtrate while maintaining hermetic sealing when closed, preventing both contamination of the filtrate and exposure to potentially pathogenic agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the filter bag includes a moveable closure system for accessing the filtrate, then safe and controlled sampling is enabled, but the manipulation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltrate sampling processVSAvoidclosure system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The moveable closure element can be manually opened and closed by the operator without requiring additional tools or complex manipulation steps. The system serves itself by providing both sealing and sampling functions through a single mechanism, reducing operational complexity despite the added structural feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the filter bag allows successive sampling of filtrate, then multiple samples can be taken without contamination, but the closure system must maintain hermetic sealing repeatedly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of successive samplesVSAvoidhermetic sealing integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system incorporates a moveable closure element that can dynamically transition between open and closed states. This dynamic design allows the operator to open the closure for sampling and then securely reclose it, maintaining hermetic sealing integrity through repeated cycles of opening and closing. The moveable nature of the closure element enables multiple successive samples to be taken while preserving the sterility and integrity of the filtrate collection compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 filter bag provides a safe and straightforward method for collecting and handling small amounts of filtrate, preventing leakage and contamination, while allowing for multiple successive samples to be taken without compromising the integrity of the filtrate, enhancing operational safety and efficiency in microbiological analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a filter extending from the bottom towards the opening and separating the interior volume into two compartments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A closure system is provided allowing for two states: a closed state wherein access to the filtrate from the outside of the bag by the orifice is prevented

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHermetic sealing:

Data Source

PatentUS10933355B2Filter bag incorporating a device to facilitate the removal of a filtrate

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 INTERSCI

AI summary

A filter bag comprising with a wall structure defining an inner volume with an opening. The wall structure extends from a bottom to the opening. A filter extends from the bottom toward the opening to separate the inner volume into a sample receiving compartment and a filtrate collection compartment. An orifice in the wall structure is in communication with the filtrate collection compartment, and a closure system has a closed state wherein access through the orifice is prevented and an open state wherein access through the orifice is permitted. The closure system can have a moveable part operative to selectively seal the orifice and a stationary part fixed to the wall structure with a separative limit therebetween. A fastening system can selectively retain a foldable portion of the wall structure against the wall structure to adjust the opening from an open state to a closed state.