Fluid Sample Filter Membrane 3D Imaging for Microorganism Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for analyzing biological activity in fluid samples are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and lack the necessary speed and accuracy, especially when dealing with low concentrations of microorganisms.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a filter unit with a membrane that captures microorganisms, followed by optical 3D scanning and image analysis using selected scanning wavelengths to determine biological activity, allowing for rapid and accurate detection and quantification of microorganisms, even at low concentrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional laboratory methods are used to examine microorganisms in fluid samples, then the analysis can be performed with standard equipment and procedures, but the examination takes several days and is very labor consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidexamination time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical laboratory examination methods with optical 3D imaging and image analysis. The filter membrane captures microorganisms, and an optical scanning system with image analysis detects and quantifies them, eliminating the need for manual laboratory processing and reducing examination time from several days to much faster detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy or image of the microorganisms on the filter membrane rather than requiring physical handling and manual examination. The 3D imaging system captures visual representations of the microorganisms, allowing rapid digital analysis without direct laboratory manipulation, thus reducing time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If traditional laboratory methods are used to examine microorganisms, then standard procedures can be followed, but the concentration of microorganism may be very low, which requires up-concentrating the sample prior to examination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsample processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the concentration and capture action in advance during the filtering process. The filter membrane is designed to capture and concentrate microorganisms from the fluid sample as it passes through, pre-concentrating them before the optical detection step. This eliminates the need for separate, complex up-concentration procedures while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If fast detection is implemented to stop pollution immediately, then the speed of analysis is improved, but the accuracy and sensitivity of detection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameters by using optical 3D imaging with multiple scanning wavelengths instead of traditional rapid screening methods. This allows simultaneous fast detection and high accuracy by capturing detailed spatial and optical characteristics of microorganisms on the filter membrane, enabling both speed and precision to be achieved together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enables fast and precise analysis of biological activity, capable of detecting microorganisms within hours, with high sensitivity and accuracy, and can handle samples ranging from microliters to liters.

Implementation Method 1

passing the fluid sample through the filter membrane from its front face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

performing a scanning and image analyzing procedure of the filter membrane using at least one selected scanning wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical scanning: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS12416568B2Fluid sample biological activity analyzing method by 3D imaging of a filter after passing the sample therethrough

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 INTUBIO APS

AI summary

A method and a system for analyzing a fluid sample for a biological activity. The method includes, providing a filter unit including a membrane having a front face and a rear face, passing the fluid sample through the filter membrane from its front face, applying the filter unit in a container, adding a medium into the container, and performing a scanning and image analyzing procedure of the filter membrane using at least one selected scanning wavelength. The scanning is an optical 3D scanning and includes acquiring a plurality of images along at least one scanning path.