Filter Surface Area Optimization for Rapid Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microbiological analysis methods are slow due to inefficient filtering and scanning processes, requiring days to weeks for results, and there is a need for increased throughput in various sectors such as clinics and food industries.
Innovation Solution
Optimizing the filter surface area to match the maximum volumetric flow density and scan rate, allowing the filtering and scanning times to be equalized, thereby minimizing the total assay time, using micro-sieves with lithographically defined pore sizes and advanced scanning techniques like automated microscopes or line cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the filter surface area is increased to filter more fluid, then the filtration throughput is improved, but the scanning time increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the filter surface area adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically change the active filter area to match the scanning capacity, allowing optimization of both filtration throughput and scanning time根据不同应用场景的需求
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of filter surface area to achieve optimal balance between filtration and scanning. By adjusting this physical parameter, the system resolves the contradiction between increased throughput and increased scanning time
2Loss of time
If the filter surface area is decreased to reduce scanning time, then the scanning time is reduced, but the filtration throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the filter surface area based on the scanning rate and sample volume, enabling optimal total assay time without sacrificing filtration throughput. The adaptability allows the system to maintain high productivity while minimizing time loss
3Device complexity
If standard pre-defined filter dimensions are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the total assay time cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability of filter surface area, transforming a static system into an adaptive one. This resolves the contradiction by adding optimization capability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
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
This approach significantly reduces the total assay time by nearly half, achieving faster microbiological analysis while maintaining the viability of cells and improving cost efficiency through batch processing and optimized filter usage.
Implementation Method 1
filtering the fluid sample with a micro-sieve
Implementation Method 2
staining the possibly present microbiological contaminants with a fluorescent dye
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) for analyzing a fluid (18) of volume V comprises -a filter (12) having a filter surface (14) of area A,the filter being capable of allowing the fluid to flow through the filter surface, the fluid's volumetric flow density,averaged over the filter surface, being j mean ;and -a scanner for scanning the filter surface with a scan rate B; wherein the area A substantially coincides with an optimum area A opt defined as Formula (I). The sum of a filtering time and a scanning time may thereby be minimized. In another aspect, an apparatus (10)comprises -a set of at least two filters, each filter in the set of filters having a filter surface of area A and being capable of allowing the fluid to flow through the filter surface, the area A having a different value for each of the filters; and -a mechanism for selecting one (12) of the filters and placing the selected filter (12) in an operating position; and -a scanner for scanning the filter surface (14) of the selected filter (12).